What do health, wellness, and self-care have to do with building and sustaining successful strong leaders? How about – EVERYTHING!
Society has tucked fitness into a tiny, little box and labeled its primary benefit, ‘weight loss’. In the past, it has been ‘a nice little attempt’ that sits on the side of our desks and the side of our lives for that opportunity – if and when we have the time – to engage in it. No more! It is time to elevate the role that fitness plays in our career, business and life. Simple, pure and complete integration is needed now more than ever before – the convergence of Lifestyle and Leadership.
I left my corporate position, my 22nd floor office, two amazing assistants, and the somewhat smug self-confidence that a guaranteed salary and full benefits can bring when I was just 30 years old. I realize now I was at the ‘start of the pack’. According to Jennifer Gilhool in her article, An Open Letter to the Board, “Women, in particular, have been deserting large corporations and starting their own businesses in record numbers… Most women who leave large and medium-sized employers to follow the entrepreneurial path tell researchers they are seeking greater professional opportunity, personal satisfaction, and work/life flexibility. They also mention ‘being sick of worrying about office politics’ as another key factor in their decision to strike out on their own.”
That was me. I wanted to make a difference, and that difference wasn’t aligned with my corporate position. As a result, my fulfillment fell and my entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 as a Lifestyle Management Consultant. I knew that the stronger I felt in my body, the stronger and more confident I was in my daily life. It was my mission to share this experience with other women as a means of helping them become strong leaders and reach their ultimate potential in every aspect of their lives.
Here’s the thing. The world needs Strong Women Who Lead.
It’s the end of 2016, and ‘the pack’ is catching up. An article profiling Promega Corp., a U.S. biotech company with 1,200 employees which claims $300 million in annual revenue, states that “Promega have concluded that meditation classes — along with yoga, ubiquitous fitness centers, workspaces infused with natural light, and healthy meals — contribute to a happier, healthier working experience. And happier, healthier workers make for a stronger business.”1 These health, wellness and self-care benefits are happening on company time because Promega understands their direct value to its bottom-line.
According to Fast Company, Apple has a futuristic spaceship-inspired headquarters in the works so their 13,000+ employees can enjoy amenities such as grassy lawns with volleyball courts, outdoor seating for lunch and orchards to wander while thinking through ideas. You Tube’s office is complete with a rock climbing wall, lap pool, walking trail, indoor putting green, and two-story indoor slide [Fast Company, July/August 2013].
As you get ready to step into 2017, think about your personal and professional priorities: What do you most need in order to ensure you move forward, FASTER, with great ease, efficiency and effectiveness than you have in the past? What do you most need to be a Strong Woman Who Leads, PowHERfully?
Here is our Strong Women Who Lead Checklist to help you set yourself up for success in 2017 be integrating lifestyle + leadership:
- Your greatest commodity is your energy. Treat is as such. Schedule in your exercise and self-care as you would your most important meetings. Without energy and vibrancy, there’s not much left.
- Energy in = energy out. If you want to perform at the top of your game throughout your day, it boils down to the fuel you are putting into your body. It’s as simple as that. Eat well. Eat often. Drink lots… of water! On a weekly basis, ensure you have scheduled in ample time to prepare quality fuel on standby.
- Set aside regular chill times. On a daily basis, it might be as simple as putting on your ear-buds and some grounding music or an inspirational podcast and giving yourself 10 minutes in the park. On a weekly basis, perhaps it’s a massage or spa day. On a monthly basis, try to book off an afternoon or special weekend away to unplug. These down times will go a long way to keeping you recharged and focused.
- Work in sprints. Gone are the days of slogging away at a desk for hours and hours on end. It’s been proven over and over again that it’s not productive. Time block 2-3 hour periods where you are going to focus on a specific project. Then take a short break, stretch and refuel, and start the next one. Stay ‘hungry’ in your approach to your goals by ensuring you aren’t burying yourself with them.
- Every athlete needs a good coach! It doesn’t do anyone any good to spin your wheels. You are most productive and likeable when you operate from a highly vibrant and energetic state. Observing how you show up in the world and who you are as you operate on a daily basis is a huge competitive advantage. Stay aware of your perspective and perception, and if you need someone to keep you inspired and accountable, there are plenty of great coaches and mentors.
Let’s plug you into the alternative powHER system known as PowHERhouse and increase your access, acceleration and exposure.
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