Many of my clients are convinced that they have to spend 40 hours a week at work, and then another 10 hours a week working from home.
In order to actually get it all done and earn their paycheck, they’ve got to be attached to their phone and email. Often they’re also stars in their personal life as well. They strive to be a great friend, a loving and supportive partner, an involved parent. They’ll do anything for everyone else in their life: family, spouses, work colleagues, friends… but their own self-care gets bumped to the back of the line. Can you relate?
Driven and accomplished professionals tend to be focussed on performance and achievement, but they don’t often stop and ask themselves, “What do I really need for ME?” If you are someone who puts your career and the needs of others first, consider this: As a leader, self care will enable you to be better at what you do. It will give you more energy for the rest of your life.
You’ve got to fill your cup first!
One way that I support my clients in upping their self care is by doing it every day on purpose. We work together to brainstorm a list of things that you could do for all aspects of your well being - physical, mental, emotional, financial.
What do you need to do in your romantic relationship?
Are you drinking enough water?
When was the last time you read a book?
What truly sources you?
The next part is pretty big: once you have that brainstormed list, you have to actually commit to doing those things.
Not all of them everyday, but incorporating a few at a time. My suggestion is to keep track of how many you did at the end of the day. I predict that you’ll find yourself in better spirits and with more energy on days with a higher number of self-care activities. Start with manageable adjustments, then take the time to notice the impact.
By taking time for yourself, you will be smarter about the time you invest in your work and in your relationships. You will be more open and creative. Your focus will improve. You will procrastinate less. You will be more motivated and more excited about whatever it is that you do.
The spoiler is that the more things that you do for your well being, the more effective you will be, and the better you’re going to feel at the end of the day.
Originally published on Linked-In