Between me, Abbie and our husbands, we’ve owned at least 6 businesses, so, as we say in Oklahoma, “this is not our first rodeo.” Through lack of sleep, burn-out, avoiding exercise, eating from vending machines, smoking and drinking, we have lead employees and served customers at all hours of the day and night. As a result, we have gotten sick, snapped at our friends and children, lacked patience when required, scowled when a smile was needed, and overall lacked energy to do anything other than work. You may say the story is exaggerated, and we’d say it was understated. Why? Because we’re on the other side now and figured out that when we take care of ourselves, we’re happier and healthier – and so is the world of people around us!
If this describes you, it’s best to reflect about it a bit and not to make knee-jerk resolutions and guilt-ridden goals. Visualize what you would like your life to look like, let’s say, at the end of the year. You can implement changes over time, small improvements to eat more fruits and veggies for example. Put the screens away earlier and create a quiet space to wind down before getting more sleep. However, if you invest time in your health you will create a better business for you, your employees and your customers.