Unlocking Wellbeing: A Business Leader's Journey to Mental and Physical Balance
- mhazer4
- Oct 15, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2024
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, especially for female business leaders, pursuing success can often come at the expense of personal wellbeing. That is also one of the reasons why organisers of the Czech edition of She's Next initiative (Visa, CSOB, Zensky byznys) for female entrepreneurs organised an event on the topic of "power of wellbeing" to which I was invited as a panel speaker. I am also a mentor involved in this initiative, and I am looking forward to the five winners of the first round of this competition and working with one of them next year. You can read more about it here (in Czech).
In this article, I will share key points prepared for this event—a collection of insights, techniques, and practical advice that I am aware of and that I have tried myself when navigating the challenging corridors of leadership and learning the delicate balance between professional ambitions and personal wellbeing.
The Catalyst: Embracing Mental Development
My interest in mental development was sparked by several influential women in my life, particularly Harriet Green, a remarkable business leader under whom I served, among other roles, as her Chief of Staff in Asia Pacific. Often, we were the only two "different" people in the room—she, a woman in a male-dominated C-suite business environment, and I, a gay man from Central Europe. This unique dynamic highlighted the importance of mental resilience and adaptability in leadership.
Harriet's approach to leadership and wellbeing inspired me to delve deeper into mental development. Observing her balance of professional demands with personal wellbeing made me realise that success isn't just about achieving business goals but also about nurturing oneself and the people you rely on. This realisation marked a significant turning point in my life, leading me to prioritise physical and mental health alongside my career.
To get inspiration from Harriet firsthand go to her website and learn all about her current projects, and follow her on social media, where she regularly shares lessons learned and leads a dialogue with her online community.
These are the six topics I talked about at the She's Next event:
1) The Importance of Balance
In our pursuit of success, we often fall into the trap of trying to "have it all." However, life is about making choices and finding balance among those choices. You can't have everything at once, but you can prioritise what's most important to you at any given time. This balance extends to:
• The Organization's Values: Aligning with a company whose values resonate with yours can significantly impact your wellbeing. A supportive environment fosters growth and reduces stress.
• Personal Relationships: Your life partner and personal relationships are crucial to your mental health. Supportive relationships can provide a solid foundation during challenging times.
• Physical Health: We are living organisms governed by biochemical processes. Neglecting basics like sleep, nutrition, and exercise (both aerobic and strength training) can hinder our ability to thrive.
The ancient Greek concept of Kalokagathia embodies this balance. It represents the harmonious union of physical and mental excellence, virtue, and courage—a philosophy that later influenced chivalric codes, the Olympic movement, and scouting.
2) Techniques for Mental Development
· Stoicism and Optimism: One of the most impactful philosophies I've been inspired by is Stoicism, particularly thanks to Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations. Stoicism encourages a broader perspective on life, emphasising rationality and acceptance of things beyond our control. This mindset has helped me navigate uncertainties and maintain composure during crises.
Being an optimist doesn't mean ignoring potential challenges. Instead, it involves acknowledging that things may not always go smoothly but believing in your ability to handle whatever comes your way if you actively prepare for them.
· Learning from Stories: People's stories connect us more deeply than statistics or data. Reading biographies and autobiographies provides valuable lessons and inspiration. These narratives highlight resilience, creativity, and the capacity to overcome adversity. You can also choose to consume them as entertainment. For example, I love the musical The Greatest Showman (2017) with Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, inspired by the life of American showman and politician P.T. Barnum.
· Engaging with Others: Genuine interest in others fosters meaningful relationships and personal growth. Seeing people as individuals rather than roles or functions enriches your understanding of the world and yourself. This empathy enhances leadership skills and contributes to a positive work environment.
· Planning and Presence: Adequate time and energy management are essential. By planning your schedule thoughtfully, you can allocate resources to areas that matter most. Additionally, focusing on the present moment while occasionally reflecting on the past and planning for the future ensures that you remain grounded yet forward-thinking.
3) Overcoming Obstacles in Personal Development
Personal development is a unique journey for each individual. Common obstacles include:
• Identifying Personal Needs: The first step is understanding what you need to balance in your life. This requires honest self-reflection and sometimes revisiting past experiences that may seem irrelevant but hold valuable insights.
• Seeking Support: Don't hesitate to seek help. External support can provide new perspectives through books, articles from reputable sources like the Harvard Business Review, professional coaching, or candid conversations with trusted friends or partners.
• Managing the Inner Critic: Negative self-talk can hinder progress. Redirecting this inner critic into a positive force involves acknowledging doubts but focusing on constructive actions. A study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who practice self-compassion and positive self-talk are more resilient in facing challenges (APA, 2018). Transforming the inner critic into a motivator can enhance your personal development journey.
4) Navigating Exhaustion and Stagnation
Periods of exhaustion or stagnation are not uncommon, especially in high-pressure roles. I faced such times when I neglected the balance between physical and mental health. Here's how I overcame them:
• Regular Self-Check-ins: Take moments to candidly assess your feelings and plan actions accordingly—it is your personal assessment in front of you, so there is no need to sugar-code anything. This proactive approach helps address issues before they escalate.
• Recognising the Need for Rest: It's crucial to acknowledge that it's impossible to constantly perform at peak levels. Scheduling rest and downtime prevents burnout and promotes sustained productivity. It can also be a short, engaging break involving physical movement or social interaction that can rejuvenate your energy levels.
• Avoiding Self-Sabotage: Be mindful of coping mechanisms that can be detrimental, such as excessive alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating.
• Automating and Outsourcing: Delegating tasks that others can handle, such as hiring cleaning services or using various AI tools, frees up time and mental space for more important activities.
• Fact-Based Assessment: Grounding your perceptions in reality by focusing on facts helps you make informed decisions, and you should always want that when you are under increased stress, which might influence your perception of reality.
• Practicing Meaningful Meditation: Not all of us are fans of just meditation. What I mean by meaningful meditation is some time for yourself when you do on purpose something good and relaxing for your body, such as yoga, stretching, and breathing exercises, and create moments of calm and clarity that will help you regain energy.
• Support Network: Engaging with peers who have faced similar challenges can provide support and insights.
• Lighten the Mood: Remember, it's okay to lighten up and not take everything too seriously—after all, we're not performing brain surgery every day.
5) The Power of Purpose and Discipline
Maintaining discipline and motivation is anchored in understanding your purpose:
• Purpose-Driven Actions: Reminding yourself why you pursue specific goals reinforces commitment and resilience.
• Structured Scheduling: A well-organised calendar helps allocate time effectively, reduce stress, and enhance work-life balance. While it is your calendar, make sure that your partner and people close to you are aware of the basic rules and structure you put in place for yourself so they can respect them the same way you respect theirs.
• Leadership Responsibility: As leaders, we have a responsibility to our organisations and ourselves. Prioritising personal wellbeing enables us to lead with integrity and vision.
6) Healthy Approach to Enhanced Wellbeing
Recent studies show that instead of taking some magical molecule as supplements, following some basic proven routines can contribute significantly to your health in the short term and overall health span. My practices include:
• Aligning with Natural Rhythms: Utilising bright light exposure in the morning and respecting circadian rhythms by adjusting sleep patterns, especially during travel, enhances energy levels.
• Mindful Caffeine Consumption: Delay caffeine intake until an hour after waking to align with natural cortisol rhythms, improving energy regulation. Limit caffeine intake after 2 PM to not interfere with sleep patterns.
• Evening Routines: Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. Ideally, stop consuming any calories two to three hours before sleep and enjoy some nice herbal tea or water.
• Optimising Breathing: Practicing nasal breathing techniques as suggested in The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown improves oxygenation and reduces stress.
• Cold Exposure and Sauna Use: Incorporating cold showers in the morning (start with at least 30 seconds at the end of your shower) and sauna sessions when possible (or at least a warm shower in the evening) boosts circulation and has been linked to various health benefits.
• Nutrition and Supplements: Adhering to a mostly Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats and consuming adequate protein supports physical health. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, curcumin, and ashwagandha can offer additional benefits, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
• Physical Activity: Aiming for around 10-12,000 steps daily promotes cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Do not forget – every step counts, so you include any steps you take in the office, when commuting, etc.
Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Success
Wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained success in business and life. By adopting a holistic approach encompassing mental, physical, and emotional health, entrepreneurs can enhance their leadership abilities and achieve their goals more effectively.
Remember that personal development is a continuous journey. By implementing the strategies discussed and remaining open to learning and adaptation, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life that supports your personal well-being and professional aspirations.
I am currently taking all that I have learned about personal development and wellbeing for the creation of services and retreats in our soon-to-be-opened apartment hotel in Austria https://www.elsa.tirol and also in combination with business consulting and brand strategy in my freelance consulting https://www.atintersections.com. You can also visit my website dedicated to longevity and wellbeing https://longevity-insights.org.
I look forward to getting involved in exciting discussions and projects, contributing to the good in this world through small or big joint actions.
ความคิดเห็น