Prioritizing your Wellbeing as a Leader Is Not Selfish, It’s Essential
The leadership journey is not always easy - in fact, it’s often incredibly demanding. A Mayo Clinic study shows that 90% of senior leaders struggle to set boundaries around work, and 73% lead a sedentary lifestyle. They sleep less and work more, which impinges on their wellbeing.
It seems obvious that looking after our wellbeing positively affects our energy levels and stamina as a leader - yet, for many of us, it so easily slips down the list of priorities.
Too often, we put work demands and obligations ahead of our own wellbeing, causing suffering (including mental and physical illness) for ourselves - as well as for our team and organization.
This tendency to prioritize work over wellbeing may come from a good place: a desire to put in our best efforts and do as much good as possible. In the short term, this can be effective. In the long term, however, it’s not sustainable. It sets an unhelpful example. And it causes ourselves - and those around us - enormous harm.
Taking care of your health and wellbeing is a key component of being an effective human being and a successful leader.
Mentally and physically well leaders have greater clarity and more energy to engage and connect with people in a more impactful way. You feel calmer and are able to manage your emotions and behavior, and experience increased resilience and creativity when faced with problems.
This has a direct impact on your team, and also ripples out through the organization, creating a culture of wellbeing, engagement, productivity and enjoyment.
5 tips for prioritizing wellbeing which you can implement today.
Do it first thing. Research shows that willpower decreases over the course of the day. Committing to looking after your wellbeing first thing in the morning sets the tone for your day.
Make a weekly meal plan. Having a routine around what you eat makes it much easier to eat well.
Make specific plans and put these in your calendar. Research shows that if you create specific plans for your goals, then you’re much more likely to achieve them. The more specific you are in your planning, the more likely it is that you’ll stick to the plan.
Create accountability by sharing your plans with a friend or your social media feed. Working on your wellbeing together with your partner or a friend can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Start small. Let go of “all or nothing” thinking. 15 minutes of walking, yoga or meditation each day is better than none. By starting small, committing to a plan and sticking to your plan, you create lasting change.
Reflection: What aspect of your Wellbeing are you making a priority this week?
