Episode Introduction
In this conversation Claire and Miranda bust the myth that success requires operating at peak performance 24/7. Surge. Tilt. Succeed: This episode offers your Blueprint for Sustainable Energy as they introduce the powerful concepts of surging (those intentional high-energy periods where you harness momentum) and tilting (the conscious pauses and adjustments that keep you aligned, healthy and creative). Learn how to plan both phases so you can thrive in work and life without burning out or going into overdrive.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic surging beats reactive busyness: Choose when to surge and channel your energy into the few projects that create the greatest impact.
• Tilt to sustain your success: Micro-tilts (like a mindful lunch walk or device-free commute) and bigger tilts (like saying no to a project, booking in active planning breaks or real downtime) to replenish energy and spark creativity.
• Watch for the three risks of unchecked surging: burnout, disconnection and overdrive.
• Energy management is a form of time management: Track what energises or drains you and ditch or delegate “energy vampires.”
• Communicate Surge or Tilt mode: Let teammates and also family (as this tip isn't just for work life) know when you’re in surge or tilt mode to avoid misunderstandings and to model healthy boundaries.
• Active reflection is non-negotiable: Pausing to ask “What is this surge creating for my long-term goals?” helps you steer the wave, not just ride it, or show up as "busy, busy, busy".

Key Quotes

• “Surges don’t happen forever and they shouldn’t, otherwise we have burnout" – Miranda
• “Tilt is where our judgment, empathy and values come in; it’s choosing to move more meaningfully, not just fast.” Claire
• “Action doesn’t need to be grand—small, brave choices compound into the life that you want.” Maria Baltazzi, Take a Shot at Happiness
• “Imagination is not an indulgence. It’s embedded in every function of thinking, planning, remembering, and connecting.” Adam Zenman, The Shape of Things Unseen

References & Resources

• Books:
  • The Shape of Things Unseen – Adam Zenman
  • Take a Shot at Happiness – Maria Baltazzi
  • The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler
• Concepts & Articles:
  • “Ambitious Stagnation” – Harvard Business Review
  • “Upper Limit Problem” – from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (mentioned in discussion)

Your Action Challenge

Plan your next strategic surge before year-end:

1. Identify the 2–3 projects that will create the biggest impact in the next three months.
2. Schedule mini-tilts before, during and after that surge & protect them like any critical meeting or poject critical work.

Share how you’re harmonising surging and tilting with us on Instagram or LinkedIn, or email [email protected]

Music by Claire's daughter Hannah.

Music created by Claire's daughter Hannah