Borrowing Energy When You Need It Most

Lately, I've found myself in situations that felt a bit out of my comfort zone, and it got me thinking about how I interact with people and present myself, even in small, everyday moments like speaking up in a discussion, introducing myself to someone new, or walking into a networking event where I don't know anyone.

I recently came across the idea of “channelling someone” again while listening to The Diary of a CEO podcast with Vinh Giang. It wasn’t completely new to me. When I was working as a musician, I would often "channel" a particular musician while playing. Someone whose tone or energy matched what I needed in that moment. But I had never thought of applying the same idea outside of music.

On the podcast, Vinh explains how we can borrow confidence from someone we admire. Not in a "fake it till you make it" way, but more like using someone else’s energy as a prompt to shift how you carry yourself. You’re not pretending to be them. You're simply activating a version of yourself that's already there but maybe hasn't had much practice yet.

What It Actually Means to “Channel” Someone

When you find yourself in a situation that isn't your most comfortable, like giving a presentation, going to a social gathering, or having a difficult conversation, you can think of someone you admire who would be in their element. Maybe someone with confidence, calmness, presence, or clarity. Then you imagine how they would approach the situation.

It could be a public figure you look up to, or someone you know personally. For me, it’s often close friends. I find myself borrowing their energy in certain situations, not to imitate them, but to feel braver, more intentional, or simply more curious.

Why This Works

There’s actually a psychological reason this makes sense. Our brains are wired to mirror the things we observe. Athletes do this all the time. They visualise themselves performing like their heroes. They borrow a different posture, a different mindset. Something that helps them shift out of their default when the default isn’t serving them.

Where It’s Helped So Far

I’ve tried this a few times now in social settings, especially when my social battery feels low. In those moments, channelling someone else's energy gives me a little nudge back toward the version of myself I want to show up as. Someone more engaged, curious, and open.

I'm also looking forward to trying this in situations that feel even more daunting, like job interviews. I’ve never done one before, and honestly, the idea feels intimidating right now. But knowing that I can channel the calm, confident energy of someone I admire already makes me feel more equipped to handle it.

Some Final Thoughts

In the end, nobody is naturally great at everything. Everyone has their own strengths, and channelling allows us to borrow those strengths when we need them. Sometimes I channel a friend when I need to be more direct. Other times, I think of someone else when I want to bring more warmth or playfulness into the room.

It’s not about copying someone else. It’s about using what we see and admire in others to remind ourselves of what's already within us and giving ourselves permission to show up that way too.