Be honest. Are you working seven days a week? Is your phone tethered to your body, never to be more than a foot from your hand? Are you checking email during your vacation? During dinner with your spouse? If any of this sounds familiar, then this post is especially for you.
Too many of us find ourselves in a seemingly endless race toward our goals, only to reach them feeling drained instead of energized. This was me back in 2004, during my pursuit of success in the mortgage industry. I had enviable closing numbers, but I was in a constant state of fatigue. I kept up the pace until I asked my nine-year-old what he wanted for his 10th birthday, and his response shot a bullet through my soul: “For you to turn your phone off.”
Yikes.
Then came the loss of my dear friend, a corporate executive, a tireless worker who lived by the mantra “wake up and grind.” I remember asking her if she was happy, and her response, “I would be if I wasn’t so stressed out,” Struck a chord. Her story underscores a crucial message for all high achievers: there’s a healthier path to success.
For over a decade, I’ve discussed this path in keynotes, courses, and heart-to-heart talks with my sons, who have joined the corporate world. My message is simple: Treat self-care with the same seriousness as career ambitions. Doing this creates a more relaxed you, making you more creative, and therefore, you’re more energized for your business endeavors. More energy gives you more flow, which leads to more business. This has been my secret sauce in the speaking world.
Our society’s celebration of the non-stop hustle is fundamentally misguided, promoting a relentless pace at the cost of our well-being. But we have the power to change this narrative. It’s time to blend efficiency with peace of mind to ensure that success doesn’t come at the expense of our relationships or our health. To bring this vision to life, consider integrating three simple yet powerful strategies into your life:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Set clear boundaries. At times, you should be “on,” and at times, you should be “off.” When you’re “off,” enjoy a health break on a consistent basis (i.e., a walk, meditation, massage) and mark this as time sacred to rejuvenate your spirit.
- Reassess Priorities: What tasks drive the most value? Focus your energy here so you can maximize your output while minimizing stress. What about the rest?
- Master O.D.A.: The rest you can Outsource, Delegate, and Automate. Not every task needs your direct input; free up your time for what truly matters to streamline your workload, making time for you.
Living a balanced life isn’t about doing less; it’s about making every effort count and aligning professional achievements with personal well-being.
Adopting this mindful approach sets a new standard for success that values health, happiness, and holistic achievement. It’s time to break free from the stress-induced cycles harming our lives. Let’s inspire each other with stories of balanced success, sparking a movement towards a more sustainable, fulfilling way to achieve our dreams.
