In the search for “success” – however we define it – we tend to overlook our own physical wellbeing, which can lead to stress and other issues.
We don’t necessarily think about our bodies in these moments, instead focusing on the head or the heart. But as leadership coach Anne Hartslief argues, focusing on the body, understanding what it needs and making adjustments, could be the key.
It begins with taking powerful pauses throughout our day. These aren’t just breaks to catch our breath, but moments to check in with our bodies and ask what they need from us. We also need to address micro-aggressions and traumas: the small, everyday stresses that accumulate over time and cause us to disconnect from ourselves.
Ignoring our bodies can lead us down a path of chronic stress, burnout, and more serious health issues. We can end up fragmented, losing touch with our true selves and our definition of success becomes distorted.
But by asking yourself “What is my body telling me right now?”, we can get closer to achieving true performance: a balance of success and wellbeing.
