I stepped into leadership knowing it was hard but actually, it was harder than I had originally thought. But after reflecting back after so many years in it, I realized it wasn’t the actual job that was making it so difficult, but the decisions I made, forgetting to clarify my core values, and not setting the correct priorities/boundaries, that were the culprits to my frustrations and stress.
In the grand theater of life, I used to play the part of a leader who thought she could juggle the world. I mean, why not, right? I believed I could please everyone, do it all, and control every little detail. But here’s the kicker: I left the most crucial element of the act until the very end – my own health. That was the only thing I could control.
I soon found myself in a whirlwind, spinning plates and trying to catch each one as they fell. Brain fog, stress, inflammation, and skin issues became my not-so-magical side effects. My once vibrant joy was replaced by a constant cloud of worry that hung heavily over me like an umbrella in a storm. I mean, literally, my body showcased my stress. In fact, look at some of our leaders in the world. You can see the immense stress they are under just by looking at them.
It was a piling on of errors, really. I was making decisions to appease everyone, but I’d lost sight of what truly mattered. I realized I needed to change my script, to go back to the basics and figure out my core values. They became my compass, my guiding stars in the tumultuous sea of leadership. And guess what, after I figured it out and committed to a lifestyle change, my body and mind shifted too.
And here they are, my three core values:
Family and health first – because what’s leadership without a strong foundation? It had to start with myself. That is the only thing I can control in my leadership and life.
Upgrading my skills to enhance my own leadership – because stagnant waters don’t make for great leaders.
And perhaps the most important of all: Every decision had to revolve around whether it was good for the people I led and how much impact it would truly make. If not, I’d scout for a more effective alternative.
Once I sat down and deciphered the map of my core values, something remarkable happened – clarity. It came roaring in, loud and clear, cutting through the fog of confusion. From that moment forward, my guiding principle became crystal clear: every decision, every choice had to align with my core values.
With ‘family’ and ‘health’ securely anchored as my North Stars, I knew where to begin my journey towards transformation. Health took center stage. I delved headfirst into the intricate world of well-being, prioritizing nutrition and staying active. It was a commitment to myself and my loved ones, a promise to nurture the roots of my vitality. I wanted to age powerfully over gracefully. I needed to build myself back up from the inside out.
And you know what? The clouds that had once shrouded my life began to lift. Slowly but surely, I could see the light breaking through. My health became the heart, the keystone upon which my entire life rested. When I felt good, everything else fell into place – my joy, my career, my role as a parent, and so much more.
It was a reminder that sometimes, by focusing on one core value – like health – we can ripple positive effects into every corner of our lives, bringing clarity, purpose, and boundless energy.
Here’s the thing I learned the most, leadership isn’t about juggling everything at once or controlling anything – it’s about mastering the art of health over balance, setting priorities, and staying true to what truly matters.
In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and obligations. As leaders, we often prioritize our professional lives, but what about our personal well-being? In this blog post, I want to explore the profound connection between leadership, lifestyle, and the importance of gradual health transformation with consistent, compounded efforts each day, in hopes that it helps you too. Ok! Let’s get started!
My Personal Health Transformation
Let me take you on a journey (cause you know I loooooove a good story)—a journey that goes beyond the surface of diet and exercise and delves into the depths of personal transformation. Like I said earlier, for years, I was stuck in a cycle of chronic fatigue, brain fog, stress, and digestive issues that left me feeling overwhelmed and unwell. I was experiencing cramping and stomach issues three to six times a day, cystic acne on my chin, and travelling heat rashes. Did I mention that I lost sleep over worry and stress and I felt puffy all the time. I knew something had to change.
The Role of Your Gut
Little did I know that the root of all these problems lay within my gut. My gut health was in disarray, leading to inflammation and chaos throughout my body. My gut was in “flight mode,” desperately trying to expel toxins through my stomach and skin, causing a host of health issues and extremely stressful leadership.
The Transformational Solution
I am going to be honest. I subscribed to every gimic out there, only to last a few days. I never could quite stick to a plan. It wasn’t until I looked into functional medicine that I finally committed. And…..I know you are not going to love this….but I always keep it real with you….It wasn’t until I actually had to invest money, that I actually committed and stuck with eating whole foods fully. However, after one month in, I was sold. This was worth every penny I spent just because of the clarity I had and the way I felt. I am not saying you need to invest a ton of money, I am just telling you what worked for me. I took a pivotal step on my journey to wellness when I decided to invest in GI mapping, a comprehensive analysis of my gut health, with the guidance of an expert, Melissa Macalaster. This decision marked a turning point in my life. Melissa not only provided a diagnosis but also offered invaluable support and a structured three-month gut protocol, complete with vitamins and supplements tailored to my needs. But if you follow this guide step by step, you will not need to spend a penny!
The Importance of a Support System
What else made this transformation sustainable was the support system I had in place. Friends who were invested in my well-being kept me accountable and motivated. They watched over me and became an integral part of my journey. I wasn’t alone, and that made all the difference. I even had a friend who did it with me. She didn’t do the GI mapping but she went on the protocol with me.
This is where the magic of community comes into play. When you have a support network by your side, the path to better health becomes not just manageable but even enjoyable.
- Motivation and Accountability: A community provides the essential motivation and accountability needed to stay on track. Knowing that others are on a similar journey, sharing their wins and challenges, creates a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition. You’re not just doing it for yourself anymore; you’re doing it for the community. The encouragement and gentle nudges from your peers can make all the difference on days when motivation wanes.
- Shared Experiences and Insights: Being part of a community means you have access to a wealth of shared experiences and knowledge. You can tap into the collective wisdom of others who have faced similar health challenges and overcome them. You can learn from their successes and gain insights into what strategies work best. This accelerates your own progress and helps you make informed decisions about your health.
- Emotional Support: The journey to better health isn’t just physical; it’s emotional as well. There will be moments of frustration, self-doubt, and setbacks. A supportive community provides a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs openly. Knowing that others understand and empathize with your journey can alleviate feelings of isolation and bolster your emotional resilience.
- Diverse Perspectives: Communities often bring together people from various backgrounds, each with their unique approaches to health and well-being. This diversity of perspectives can expand your horizons and expose you to new ideas and practices that you might not have considered on your own. It’s an opportunity for continuous learning and growth.
- Celebrating Milestones Together: Achieving health milestones is a cause for celebration, and it’s even sweeter when you have a community to share it with. Whether it’s losing weight, reaching a fitness goal, or conquering a dietary challenge, having others to cheer you on and celebrate your successes creates a sense of fulfillment and motivation to keep going.
- Finding Mentors for Guidance: On the path to better health, mentors can be invaluable guides. They bring expertise, experience, and a wealth of knowledge to your journey. A mentor can help you navigate the complexities of health, providing personalized advice and strategies tailored to your needs. They’ve likely faced similar challenges and can offer insights on what works and what doesn’t. Having a mentor is like having a trusted compass, ensuring you stay on course towards your health goals. Their encouragement and guidance can be the missing piece that keeps you motivated and accountable, leading to lasting transformation in your well-being. I used Instagram and people I knew for this!
Having a supportive community can transform your journey to better health from a solitary endeavor into a shared adventure. It amplifies your efforts, provides motivation, offers valuable insights, and offers a shoulder to lean on during challenging times. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone on this path, and together, you can achieve lasting well-being and vitality.
If you need a community, join our membership called Inspire for Leader Mamas! The “Leader Mama” membership aims to solve the problem of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or ill-equipped in leadership roles by providing the tools, community, and resources necessary for mothers to thrive as leaders in career starting from health and self. In fact, it is all about leadership starting from self. Check it out here for more info!
The Power of Whole Foods
During my transformative three months, I redefined my relationship with food. I embraced whole foods, including up to 30 different plants a week, creating a vibrant, colorful plate that celebrated the rainbow. I prioritized ample protein and healthy fats, bid farewell to gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and alcohol (for three months)….let’s not get too crazy here…a gal needs to have some fun too. However, I really wanted to heal my gut and see just how much better I could feel. And, you guys, I feel 1000 times better. I just didn’t know how powerful food really was.
I stopped counting calories and started looking at ingredients. I look for as little ingredients as possible and stuck to eating protein, veggies, fruits, and healthy fats from the earth as much as possible.
Now that this journey has concluded, I’m not looking back – I’m looking forward. I’m committed to sustaining this nourishing way of eating, which has brought me newfound vitality. I’ll reintroduce a few indulgences occasionally, like a glass of wine, some fries and chips (I am a salt kind of a gal..oh and chewy candy (#obsessed), or the occasional gluten-free treat. But the core of my nutrition will remain firmly rooted in whole, healthful foods, ensuring my well-being continues to shine brightly.
To maintain my newfound well-being, I committed to holistic lifestyle changes. I eliminated gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol from my diet. Daily movement, including walking and strength training, became non-negotiable components of my routine. I recommend following Dr. Lauren Fitz and the Knew Method for some tough love and consistent motivation and education on gut health.
Metabolic Spanx: Pairing Diet with Strength Training
Strength training played a transformative role. Contrary to common misconceptions, it didn’t bulk me up; instead, it sculpted my body and boosted my overall well-being. I likened it to wearing metabolic spanx, shaping me in ways I never thought possible.
I like to think of strength training as the workout that turns ‘I can’t’ into ‘I did!’ Not only does it sculpt and tone like magical spanx, but it also transforms you into a superhero version of yourself. And here’s the best part – you won’t turn into the Hulk! So, let’s trade those endless treadmill hours for some weightlifting fun and unlock the superhero within! A program that I HIGHLY recommend is an app by Alexia Clark. She is amazing.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Embracing intermittent fasting, a practice that involves abstaining from food for a certain period each day, was another milestone in my journey. Research suggested it could reduce inflammation and improve various health conditions. This is something I am still dabbling in but when I am consistent, I feel better. My eating windows are between 11 and 7 and then I fast for the rest.
Compounded Consistency for Success
Throughout this journey, I learned the undeniable power of consistency and gradual progress. It wasn’t about reaching a finish line; it was about the continuous journey of self-improvement. Compounded consistent effort over time is the secret sauce to achieving anything truly remarkable. Like a savings account for your goals, every small, intentional action adds up, creating a momentum that propels you towards success. It’s not about overnight transformations, but the gradual, persistent steps taken day after day that lead to profound change. So, embrace the power of consistency, for it’s the force that turns dreams into reality and goals into achievements.
I like to think of compounded consistent efforts over time as the slow-cooker of success recipes. Just like a hearty stew gets better with each simmer, your efforts accumulate, turning you into a ‘masterchef’ of your goals. So, let’s ditch the ‘microwave mentality’ and savor the flavor of gradual progress. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour! The Bicep Blonde is the best person to follow for this!
Keys to Feeling Unstuck
In the grand quest to banish the feeling of being stuck, I stumbled upon a trio of interrogators that held the keys to my mood and well-being. Imagine them as the three wise (but slightly nosy) life sages:
‘What did I eat?’ is the food detective, always searching for clues in my meal choices.
‘Who did I spend time with?‘ is the social investigator, keeping an eye on my company.
And ‘Did I move?’ is the kinetic inquisitor, checking if my body got its groove on. These three became my relentless life GPS, pointing the way to joy and vitality. Because let’s face it, if I indulged in a marathon of chocolate chip cookies, locked myself in a room with a grumpy goblin, and barely moved a muscle, well, let’s just say my mood wouldn’t be winning any awards that day!
At times, I still felt stuck, but I discovered that three fundamental questions always helped me and played a massive role in my mood and overall well-being: Here they are again: What did I eat, who did I spend time with, and did I move? These questions became my compass for navigating life.
Cultivating Curiosity and Continuous Learning
I adopted a mindset of curiosity and embraced the opportunity to explore the world of whole foods and health. I stayed informed, sought innovative approaches, and continued to educate myself. I upgrade my skills and knowledge constantly and that helps with motivationg and consistency because the knowledge inspires me.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Health
This journey has taught me that taking control of your health requires courage, consistency, strategy, and belief. Aging powerfully, rather than gracefully, became my mantra. After all, it’s about staying strong, agile, and active.
Aging powerfully over gracefully – it’s not about silently fading into the sunset, but about striding confidently into the next chapter of life, perhaps with a mischievous grin and rocking a pair of shades. Think of it as a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ approach to aging! Instead of worrying about a few wrinkles or gray hairs, we celebrate the wisdom and experiences that come with each passing year. It’s about being that ‘badass elder’ who can drop pearls of wisdom while breaking a dance move or two. So, let’s swap the idea of gracefully aging for the concept of aging like a fine wine – getting better, more complex, and yes, even more fun with time!
Relating It to Leadership
Now, you might be wondering how all of this relates to leadership. The parallels between managing your health and managing a team or organization are significant. Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it starts with leading yourself. I like to think of it as successful leadership starting with self.
But here’s the kicker: The principles that keep you on the wellness track are like secret weapons for becoming a top-notch leader. You see, leadership doesn’t start with motivating others; it kicks off with leading yourself—yes, that means you’re the captain of your own ship. So, consider it the ‘self-first’ approach to leadership—because being a successful leader starts with mastering your own game. When you’re the picture of well-being and balance, you’re not just a leader; you’re a trailblazing hero. So, let’s dig into the ‘self-first’ leadership playbook and unleash your inner superhero
Lifestyle and Leadership
As a leader, your personal well-being directly impacts your effectiveness. Clear thinking, confident decision-making, and overall leadership excellence are intricately linked with your health. The healthier and more energized you are, the more effectively you can lead.
Taking the First Step
Friends, I encourage you to prioritize your health. Effective leadership begins with self-care. Take the first step toward becoming a healthier, more effective you. It’s never too late to start your own journey of gradual transformation.
So there you have it, leadership and lifestyle are intricately connected. To lead effectively, we must first take care of ourselves. The power of gradual transformation can lead to increased energy, clarity, and overall well-being. It’s time to invest in yourself, embrace change, and lead a life that’s not just successful but also deeply fulfilling. Don’t wait; start your journey today.
If you are looking for a community to help support you, I’ve got a brand new membership called Inspire – for Leader Mamas. The “Leader Mama” membership aims to solve the problem of feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or ill-equipped in leadership roles by providing the tools, community, and resources necessary for mothers to thrive as leaders in career starting from health and self. Everything you read here and more is right inside this membership waiting to help you commit! Check it out here for more info!
I also have a free guide on how to Reframe How You Show Up!
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