subject: Are you a victim of the "mediocre health" pickpocket? [print this page] Are you a victim of the "mediocre health" pickpocket?
When it comes to your own wellness, it's hard to be objective. So many signs of mediocre health are patterns that have developed in patients slowly over months or even years. That can make those routines not just hard to change, but hard to even recognize.
And let's face it, if you don't see a problem, it's just about impossible to fix it! Many of my patients don't at first acknowledge the link between their health habits and their professional success. But the health-wealth connection is undeniable. Does this sound like you?
1) Instead of producing and earning, you'd rather take a nap.
Does that sound familiar? In particular, does your get up and go dissolve in the afternoon? If so, then your energy system needs an overhaul. When there's a half-day left to complete projects, reach clients, or stay on schedule, and you are feeling depleted and sluggish, it's time to look at your lifestyle, including how and when you rest and the patterns of your blood sugar level. Do this before you wind up with half of your earning potential.
Case study: Leo, a solopreneur who works from home, seemed to be a real "morning person." But by 3 p.m. each day, his energy flagged so extremely that he often found himself resting his head on his desk. His clients had to wait until the next day to hear from him and began to be impatient. Business was at risk.
With some adjustments in his nutrition, though, Leo became a full-day professional again. He realized that although he was rarely hungry for breakfast and ate a small lunch, he had been sitting down to dinner with his family and more than making up for a full day of undereating. Now, with a more steady and sensible meal schedule in place, Leo's closing his sales--not his personal energy--by 5 p.m.
2) You think there is nothing wrong with your self-care; therefore, other things or people must be to blame when things don't go well professionally.
It's easy to be in denial about the state of your health, even if you are paying some attention to your wellbeing. It's possible that you can run out of ideas yourself to jumpstart your health. It's time to take back responsibility for your own health and see that there are always options waiting to be explored. Imagine what reaching your potential will do for your self-esteem--and for your bottom line.
Undoubtedly, you have important jobs to do. But don't forget, one of those jobs is taking care of the fabulous body that you have been given. You only have one; you can't afford to neglect it. And, as so many of my patients have seen, your wallet can't afford it, either. Take charge.
Paying closer attention to your nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset is the key to achieving outstanding performance in your career--and from there, it's a short step to seeing the results in your bank account. If you're not in tip-top condition, commit to making some critical changes.
