In the fast-paced world of business and entrepreneurship, there’s a quiet truth that’s often overlooked: our health and wellness are deeply intertwined with our productivity and success. After nearly two decades as a business professional – first as an investor for Goldman Sachs and now an entrepreneur, I’ve come to appreciate just how critical health is not just to our bodies but to the way we work, think and grow professionally.
This realization didn’t come overnight—it’s been a journey shaped by my experiences on what truly powers my productivity and from the knowledge I’ve gleaned from business leaders, health and wellness experts and the fascinating new research I’ve uncovered through my current role as CEO of Workup. Here’s a closer look at how wellness fuels professional success, as well as some of the daily habits I’ve found essential for staying at my best.
1. Physical Health: The Foundation of Sustainable Productivity
There’s no shortcut to health, especially when you’re running a business. As business professionals, we’re constantly tackling challenges, pivoting when needed and making high-stakes decisions. Physical wellness isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s the bedrock of the energy required to tackle these tasks each day. For me, one of the most transformative practices has been making time for daily physical activity – be it training for my next cycling or running event or simply taking walks in nature, disconnected from technology. These rituals allow me to break away from the screen and clear my head and they often inspire new ideas and insights. Time outdoors brings me back to a place of clarity and helps me see the bigger picture beyond the demands of the day-to-day.
2. Mental Wellness: A Critical Driver for Creative and Strategic Thinking
Mental clarity and resilience are vital in a leadership role, and taking steps to protect them is a priority. Entrepreneurship is often an emotional rollercoaster, with days where wins are quickly followed by setbacks. This has taught me to value practices that keep me grounded. I regularly incorporate mindfulness practices where these moments of quiet reflection allow me to reset, evaluate my priorities and ensure I’m approaching challenges with a clear and focused mind.
3. Nutrition and Sleep: Fueling Cognitive Performance
Entrepreneurship often comes with a “hustle” culture that can lead to cutting corners on the basics: sleep, nutrition and rest. And while maintaining a healthy diet and consistent sleep routine may seem basic, I’ve found these two elements essential for staying sharp and making sound decisions. The demands of leading small businesses have made me keenly aware of how neglecting sleep or relying on quick, unhealthy meals quickly erodes my performance. I strive to incorporate nutrient-dense foods that keep energy levels steady throughout the day, and I guard my sleep routine as fiercely as I would any other commitment. These small choices add up to sustained energy and focus, allowing me to work smarter, not harder.
4. Lifelong Learning and Growth: Staying Ahead in an Ever-Changing World
Personal and professional development go hand in hand and I fear stagnation across both. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a practice of continuous learning to stay current on new trends. We all inherently recognize that in today’s fast-evolving world, staying informed and adaptable is not just beneficial—it’s necessary.
Several practices have proved especially beneficial. First, nothing beats surrounding yourself with a diverse set of individuals capable of educating you and elevating your own performance. I learned this firsthand while working at Goldman Sachs and I’ve since strived to consistently surround myself with friends and colleagues far smarter than I am. And beyond networks, carving out time to take online courses in themes of interest has proven invaluable in staying apprised of the latest trends and skills.
Wellness as a Professional Asset
Decades of experience have taught me that wellness isn’t a separate pursuit from business endeavors; it’s an essential element of professional success.
Scheduling daily physical activity, prioritizing mental resilience, fueling your body right and never stop learning: these four pillars reap powerful benefits for personal growth and professional success. As I continue this journey, I’m reminded that prioritizing health isn’t a distraction from my goals—it’s the key to achieving them. To other entrepreneurs and professionals, I can confidently say that investing in your wellness is one of the best decisions you’ll make for your career and your life.