Health, Wellness, Business and Life

Although I have written and spoken about how I completely changed the way I view work - and life over the past few years, I have not shared all the details.

Because of that change to a positive approach of looking at the world, and of getting uncomfortable and trying new things (none of which are easy for an introvert!), I've had some pretty extraordinary opportunities. I've had a chance to teach, to speak all over the country, to be a part of an amazing, growing company and impact real change. 

Most importantly, though, with these things came the opportunity to impact others. And I found that's what I love more than anything else. Impacting the lives of our team members, of my students, of other HR professionals.

I'm often asked how I have the energy to do these things. I didn't always. Not by a long shot. Transformation looks different for everyone but for me, in order to transform my approach to work and life, I had to work on myself first. Seven years ago I was obese, unhappy and unhealthy (see the top picture), so I decided to do something about it.

Start With You

It wasn't easy - those things that are worth it never are. I started to, little by little, look at every aspect of my life, from relationships to work to time for myself. I started there - with me. I did not take time for myself previously. Moms and dads don't often do that. So, I put myself first. If I wasn't happy or healthy, there is no way could give everything to my family or my company. So I start every day with exercise. Usually just 30 minutes. Eventually, that exercising in the basement progressed to running. Eventually, that became 5Ks. (See the bottom picture, of our most recent 5K last weekend. It's one of the things my husband and I do together for fun. We have two this weekend!) I run really slow and not very far (this is not a story about a transformation into a marathon runner!) but it helped me connect to myself - something that was missing.

Sleep, Eat, Exercise

For me, exercise is tied to my emotional well-being. In addition to exercising in the morning, I try to squeeze in at least a short walk or two a day. Even in the winter, I need to be outside at least part of the day. And, I started to sleep a full night's sleep and change the way I ate. There's no shortcut. I still eat cookies and ice cream and chocolate. I just eat more salads and chicken and far less processed food. And although I'll never be a size two, I am healthy, happy and centered in life. And I started to drink espresso.

Reinvigorating Your Work Life

For years, I was an administrative, rule-following, paper-pushing HR professional with a job, not a career. My own transformation helped me change my approach to work. I took a chance on a new job four years ago that allowed me to be closer to home. It worked out in ways I could not expect. New doors opened for me, largely due to a super supportive CEO, and a new title. And I walked through those doors, something I would never have done previously. I take chances, I push myself and I will continue to do that.

Finding the Time and Energy

When you do something you love, you find the time to do it. I'm a recent convert to social media, and have an incredible network of friends because of it. If it's hard to fit in, I'll tweet while waiting in line to grab lunch. If I'm a passenger in a car. Waiting at the store. I'll find little moments to make connections, which are so critical to work and life. I have a friend who I admire greatly. She has two young children, a very demanding job, and sits on several boards. Years ago, I asked her how and why she did it. She is on a non-profit board that she says is her heart. If she can't tuck her children in at night, she wants to know it's because she's helping do good in the world. Another is a for-profit board that she looks at as cementing her future for her family. I have another friend with children who has traveled extensively for work, even when they were babies. I was in awe of that, and her key was an incredible support network. It's different for everyone. But you make the time for something you love. If you've lost the love, it's time to find it again!

"Why Your Health Is Key To Your Success In Business."

This article from Entrepreneur is spot-on. Health, wellness and business are closely tied. I wish I read this early in my career.  https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/323244