Doing the Holistic Hustle
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Balancing Wellness and Wealth in Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Defining the 'Holistic Hustle'
Five months ago, I found myself confined to a hospital bed, surrounded by the monotonous hum of medical equipment, while struggling to complete grant applications.
I am not a grant writer.
The glow of my laptop screen barely cut through the haze of medications that clouded my mind. Exhaustion was an understatement. At 55, battling for my health, the absurdity of the situation struck me hard. Here I was, doing something that felt so disconnected from my true purpose. The stress of grant applications, coupled with my health struggles, was a wake-up call.
This was not where I pictured myself at this stage in life.
That moment in the hospital was a turning point. It was when I realized that I needed a radical change. My health practices needed a complete overhaul to avoid ever returning to that hospital bed.
Most importantly, my professional life required a change to be in harmony with my passion and what I believed to be my true calling.
It was the beginning of a journey that I now call my 'Holistic Hustle.'
Is it time for you to begin your own ‘'Holistic Hustle'? Are you ready to make the commitment to balancing wellness with the pursuit of wealth? Do you recognize that true success encompasses not just financial achievements but also physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
This journey is about creating a life where passion and purpose don't just coexist but fuel each other.
The Importance of Wellness in Entrepreneurship
As entrepreneurs, we often prioritize our business goals, sometimes at the expense of our well-being. However, neglecting wellness can have significant repercussions, not just on our health but also on our business's success. Why is wellness an indispensable part of the entrepreneurial journey? Keep reading!
1. Impact on Productivity and Decision-Making
Research has consistently shown that wellness directly impacts productivity. A study by the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) found that employees who eat healthily are 25% more likely to have higher job performance.
IN a 2023 Biomedicines study, researchers found that physical activity leads to improved concentration and enhanced cognitive abilities, crucial for strategic decision-making and creative problem-solving in entrepreneurship. No martter what age group.
2. Mental Health and Resilience
Entrepreneurship is inherently stressful, and neglecting mental health can lead to burnout. The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems.
Wellness practices, including mindfulness and meditation, have been shown to reduce stress. Mindfulness meditation has been found to have a profound impact on the brain, specifically in areas related to learning, memory, and emotional regulation, as shown in a study published in the esteemed 'Psychiatry Research' journal.
3. Long-Term Health and Sustainability
Ignoring wellness can lead to long-term health issues, which can be detrimental to sustaining a business in the long run. The Harvard Business Review highlights that chronic stress can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Ensuring long-term health is vital for entrepreneurs to continually lead and expand their businesses effectively. A well-balanced approach to wellness is the key to achieving this goal.
4. Wellness and Leadership Effectiveness
Leaders who prioritize wellness not only benefit personally but also set a positive example for their teams. The Center for Creative Leadership states that leaders who embody a vigorous lifestyle are not only more proficient but also possess a remarkable ability to motivate their teams.
5. Economic Impact
Wellness also has a direct economic impact. The World Health Organization reported that for every dollar spent on treating common mental health issues, there's a return of four dollars in improved health and productivity.
Incorporating wellness into our entrepreneurial journey isn't just a personal choice; it's a strategic business decision. By prioritizing our health, we are not only making an investment in ourselves but also securing the long-term prosperity of our businesses
Strategies for Balancing Wellness and Wealth
Set Clear Boundaries:
Establish a clear separation between work and personal life. This might mean setting specific work hours, having a dedicated workspace, and being disciplined about not letting work spill over into your personal time. I feel like this final point might be the most important. Many of us believe that we have to put in the crazy hours in order to succeed. But that can end up costing us relationships with the very people we need and want in our lives.
2. Prioritize Self-Care:
Regularly engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care is not a luxury; it's essential for maintaining your health and productivity. You MUST take breaks (minutes, hours, weekends, vacations) to refuel.
3. Mindful Time Management:
Use tools like time-blocking to allocate specific periods for work, relaxation, and personal growth. Being organized with your time can help you be more productive while also carving out space for wellness activities. My friend Kami Guildner introduced me to the concept of Time Prosperity. It is THE prosperity we often forget about, but is the most important. Especially as one gets older.
4. Financial Planning and Management:
Keep a close eye on your financial health. Use budgeting tools, hire a financial advisor if necessary, and regularly review your financial goals to ensure that your wealth-building activities align with your personal values and long-term objectives.
5. Regular Health Check-ups:
Regular health screenings and check-ups are vital. They not only help in early detection of any health issues but also keep you in tune with your body’s needs.
6. Nutrition and Exercise:
A balanced diet and regular exercise are foundational to good health. Even during busy periods, prioritize healthy eating and physical activity. If you need a reset - check out this one by Kristen Coffield.
7. Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Practices like meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress levels. Mindfulness helps in staying grounded and focused, which is crucial for decision-making and creativity.
8. Adequate Sleep:
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health. Taking magnesium at night changed my sleep and my world!
9. Leverage Your Network for Support:
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your network for support, whether it's for business advice, personal support, or just to have someone to talk to.
10. Continuous Learning and Personal Development:
Invest in your personal and professional growth. Attend workshops, read books, or take courses that not only enhance your business acumen but also contribute to your personal development. Peronslaly I am a huge fan of LinkedIn Learning and am currently taking this course on Referral Selling by Joanne Black.
11.Delegate and Outsource:
Understand that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to team members or outsource to free up your time, allowing you to focus on core business activities and personal well-being. I’m a BIG fan of Who Not How. (Both the book and the practice.) I always say, “Do what you do best and let others do the rest!”
12. Reflect and Reassess Regularly:
Regularly take time to reflect on your life and business. Assess what’s working and what’s not, and be willing to make changes to maintain a healthy balance between wellness and wealth.
Remember, the key to balancing wellness and wealth lies in recognizing that both are essential components of a fulfilling life and successful career. It's about making conscious choices every day to nurture both aspects.
The Role of Mindset in the Holistic Hustle
A positive and growth-oriented mindset is a cornerstone of both personal wellness and business success. It fosters resilience, enabling individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This perspective is crucial in managing stress effectively and making clear, strategic decisions. In business, a positive mindset enhances relationships and networking, leading to better collaboration and communication. It also influences daily health and lifestyle choices, impacting overall physical and mental well-being.
Cultivating a Positive, Growth-Oriented Mindset
To cultivate such a mindset, start by embracing lifelong learning and maintaining an open mind. This approach keeps you adaptable and prepared for change, both critical in the dynamic landscape of business. Practicing gratitude can shift focus from negative to positive, fostering a more optimistic outlook. Setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your routine can help in staying present and reducing anxiety, contributing to a balanced outlook.
10 Actionable Steps to Start Today
Balancing Wellness and Wealth: Your Actionable Checklist
🔲 Establish Work-Life Boundaries
Define specific work hours.
Create a dedicated workspace separate from personal spaces.
🔲 Incorporate Daily Self-Care
Schedule at least 30 minutes of self-care activities daily (e.g., exercise, reading, meditation).
🔲 Adopt Mindful Time Management
Use time-blocking techniques to allocate periods for work, relaxation, and personal growth.
🔲 Review and Plan Financial Goals
Set aside time each week to review finances.
Plan short-term and long-term financial goals.
🔲 Schedule Regular Health Check-ups
Book a health screening or a routine check-up.
Make this a recurring event in your calendar.
🔲 Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle
Plan a balanced diet for the week.
Set a regular exercise routine.
🔲 Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily for mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
🔲 Ensure Adequate Sleep
Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
Create a pre-sleep routine to wind down effectively.
🔲 Seek and Offer Support in Your Network
Reach out to a mentor, peer, or friend to discuss challenges and successes.
Offer your support to someone in your network.
🔲 Reflect and Adjust Regularly
Set a weekly reflection time to assess your balance of wellness and wealth.
Be ready to adjust your strategies as needed.
Conclusion:
Taking the leap into the journey of harmonizing wellbeing and prosperity is a pivotal move towards attaining ultimate personal satisfaction and extraordinary achievement in one's career.
Remember, the path to a balanced life is ongoing and unique to each individual. As you check off these steps, be patient with yourself and embrace the journey. For more insights, resources, and support on this transformative path, I invite you to visit Beyond the Dreamboard.
Here, you'll find a community and resources dedicated to helping you thrive in both your personal and professional life. Let's continue to grow and succeed together!
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