Prioritizing Health Over Profits
Entrepreneurship is a demanding journey that requires a lot of grit and determination, especially in those founding years. We hustle hard, set bold goals for our business, and work tirelessly to achieve them. If I'm being honest, I feel like I've lost part of myself over the last 3 years since starting my business. While I wouldn't change the past 3 years for anything, it's time to reclaim that part of me that was lost.
As business owners, we tend to overlook our physical and mental wellbeing, thinking that it’s an indulgence that can wait. However, the truth is that prioritizing ourselves can do wonders for our business. A healthier, happier you can increase productivity, improve decision-making, and give you a competitive edge. With that, here are the 3 main things I'm doing to put myself first:
1 | Prioritizing health over sales goals and business growth
Listen, we all want our businesses to be successful (whatever that looks like for you). If you want your business to grow and increase your sales, that's amazing. I hope you're able to achieve that! I've definitely had some sales goals and dreams of where this business can go. But I'm no longer willing to go after those goals at the expense of my health. This might seem a little harsh but after all... you can't really run a business if you're no longer here or just non-functioning because your health takes a dive 🙃 When you prioritize your health FIRST over your business, you're able to make more aligned, intentional business decisions too. Which if you ask me, can actually help your business grow. Hey, how about that? Prioritizing your health is the new business growth strategy 🤪
2 | Taking control of my time and minimizing stress levels
This kind of goes along with my last point, because your stress levels do impact your health. Chronic stress is no joke, and it takes a toll on your body and mind! I'm outsourcing what I can, saying "no" to what's not necessary, and being intentional with my planning. Each Sunday I like to sit down with my physical planner and go over my week. My goals, meetings, appointments, etc. Taking control of your time is a lot like budgeting your money. With budgeting, I always say that YOU have to tell your money where to go, not let your money tell you where it went. Well, you have to decide how you're going to spend your time, before the time goes by and all of a sudden you realize you've been scrolling for an hour or you've binged 2-3 episodes of your favorite show 👀 (I see you, we've all been there).
3 | Creating blank space and truly leaving in blank
Once again, going off of my last point I've been intentionally scheduling blank space. Because "I've got a blank space, baby", and I will NOT write something in it 🤭 But in all seriousness this is so important. You hear about meditation and stillness, and I think it can look different for everyone but that quiet space is so important. We live in a culture of hustle hustle hustle, non-stop going all the time. I don't know about you, but its gets to a point where it's exhausting. Give yourself the space to be still and not have to think about your business or your to-do list for 10, 15, 30, however many minutes you decide. Because YOU are in charge of your time and how you spend it. Allow yourself to have that space.
Just for fun, here are the 8 specific things I'm prioritizing right now:
Waking up early (5am)
Drinking 1 gallon of water each day
Hitting my macros
Moving my body for 45 min each day even if it's just a walk
Reading my bible and prayer journal daily
Taking vitamins morning and evening
Getting 8 hours of sleep each night
Cutting out all negative talk
Remember, prioritizing your health is essential. As responsible business owners, we owe it to ourselves to invest in our mental and physical well-being. Only then can we achieve long-term business growth and success! So, take a deep breath, grab your favorite water bottle, and let's get started on this journey to a healthier, happier, and more successful you. How are YOU prioritizing yourself and your health?
