Recently I, along with my business partners, have been discussing exit strategies. In particular, we’re envisioning what our firm might look like in the year 2025 and the attributes that might make us attractive to a potential buyer 10 – 15 years from now. One by-product of this discussion is my own contemplation of how old I will be in 15 years (a sobering thought). It also caused me to seriously consider how the choices I make today will impact my health and economic well being in the future.
For that reason, I am troubled by the anxiety and exhaustion I see in many of my executive coaching clients (and if I am honest, sometimes in myself). Leaders are, almost by definition, super achievers and hyper-responsible; characteristics that are typically a foundation for setting and achieving challenging goals. The bad news is that the need to achieve and the tendency to be overly responsible often become ingrained in a leader’s self image. Eventually characteristics that were once “healthy” turn into perfectionism and perfectionism drives leaders, and those that work for them, to exhaustion and depression in the way of too many goals to accomplish and too many problems to solve.
And here is the dirty secret: many, maybe most, leaders are afraid to give up their super achievement and over responsibility; at least until their life partners threaten to leave or stress related illnesses make it impossible to continue at the same pace.
There is no easy solution to this dilemma. For most, quitting stressful jobs is neither a desired nor realistic option. Instead, we need to find new habits and make new choices that are easy in theory and really hard in practice. These might include:
- Starting a reasonable exercise routine (after checking with your physician). Exercise is a great non-prescription mood elevator and an almost guaranteed way to calm your mind.
- Finding a hobby. The best hobbies engage your mind to the point that you forget the time and get completely absorbed. I sing in a chorale. My colleague trains dogs.
- Spending more time with family and friends. The old saw that a sorrow shared is cut in half and a happiness shared is multiplied by two has some truth to it. Good relationships can be sources of joy and solace in good times and bad.
- Learning to journal or meditate. These activities teach you to view the circumstances of your life more objectively and to remind you that you and your work are not the same.
The bottom line: Take care of yourself today because it’s your only guarantee and your only chance at a healthy, happy and fulfilling future.
If super-achievement is getting the best of you, call The Bailey Group for a no-obligation discussion on your best next steps, 763-545-5997.
763-545-5997
Consider Today As You Create Your Tomorrow
Recently I, along with my business partners, have been discussing exit strategies. In particular, we’re envisioning what our firm might look like in the year 2025 and the attributes that might make us attractive to a potential buyer 10 – 15 years from now. One by-product of this discussion is my own contemplation of how old I will be in 15 years (a sobering thought). It also caused me to seriously consider how the choices I make today will impact my health and economic well being in the future.
For that reason, I am troubled by the anxiety and exhaustion I see in many of my executive coaching clients (and if I am honest, sometimes in myself). Leaders are, almost by definition, super achievers and hyper-responsible; characteristics that are typically a foundation for setting and achieving challenging goals. The bad news is that the need to achieve and the tendency to be overly responsible often become ingrained in a leader’s self image. Eventually characteristics that were once “healthy” turn into perfectionism and perfectionism drives leaders, and those that work for them, to exhaustion and depression in the way of too many goals to accomplish and too many problems to solve.
And here is the dirty secret: many, maybe most, leaders are afraid to give up their super achievement and over responsibility; at least until their life partners threaten to leave or stress related illnesses make it impossible to continue at the same pace.
There is no easy solution to this dilemma. For most, quitting stressful jobs is neither a desired nor realistic option. Instead, we need to find new habits and make new choices that are easy in theory and really hard in practice. These might include:
The bottom line: Take care of yourself today because it’s your only guarantee and your only chance at a healthy, happy and fulfilling future.
If super-achievement is getting the best of you, call The Bailey Group for a no-obligation discussion on your best next steps, 763-545-5997.