I’ve been on two journeys over the past 18 months. The first journey is to become a better business person and see my work turn into a profit. The second is to become healthier. For too long, the first journey canceled out the second journey. I was too busy to exercise and eat smart. That is the story I told myself. But that story is a lie. The truth condemns me. At the same time, it transforms me. The truth is this, success and health are bedfellows. Your health contributes to your success.
The truth goes beyond that. I became lazy and my mind became lethargic when my health declined. As I put on weight, I lost energy and focus. My creativity ebbed, and my work became mediocre. So over the past 18 months, I’ve added a pursuit for a healthy body and mind to my pursuit for success in my vocation. I see the positive results, not only in my waistline but also in my mental energy and creativity. As I form disciplines of eating healthy and exercising regularly, I find myself forming disciplines in my work that contribute to forward momentum and fulfillment
That last comment is an important point. I’m under no illusion that by losing weight I’ll make more money. That isn’t how I define success. However, I am convinced that the act of becoming healthier physically is helping me to become healthier mentally. In turn, my work focus is clearer, my output is more in line with my aspirations, and I am more fulfilled. For me, the higher priority is working on the things that bring me fulfillment. Financial benefits are secondary. I also know that if I reverse these priorities, I’ll sacrifice fulfillment, which results in sacrificed health, which eventually leads to diminishing financial benefits.
Your health contributes to your success. Success and Health are bedfellows. But, just make sure you’ve got the definition of success right.
