Ask yourself if you're really FIT enough to be an effective leader

I’m sure you’ll agree with me that we're operating in tough and energy sapping times! 

How many times do you get home in the evening exhausted, hanging on until your next holiday?

With the pace of change increasing exponentially, there has never been a more important time to be fit and healthy as a leader.

We need leaders who can cope with the heavy demands of today and operate effectively in mission critical situations.

We need leaders who can think and operate clearly under pressure.

Leadership is all about energy, make sure you have enough of the right type!

With the rugby world cup approaching, the level of fitness required of the players is immense. All the training they are doing at the moment made me think about why some organisations and leaders don't focus enough of the fitness and wellbeing of their staff.

Being fit and healthy has always been a part of my life. From my early days swimming and playing rugby, being a member of the British Forces, working in the outdoors, running my own business; I have always ensured keeping fit and healthy is part of my daily routine.

My fitness has increased and decreased over various periods, for various excuses, but exercise, nutrition, sleep and mindfulness have always been important to me. 

I strongly believe that to be a great leader you need to be fit and full of vitality, particularly in today’s tough world.

There are 4 key reasons for this:

Reason 1: Cognitive reasoning

We are paid to think and do. When you are fitter your blood pressure is lower which means your brain is switched on – simple really! A great deal of time as a leader is working with teams to solve problems, make decisions, taking action. Being fitter ensures creativity and confidence are also increased.

Reason 2: Energy

Regular exercise gives you more energy throughout the day so you can be more productive and get more done. You also transmit more positive energy which enhances leadership and influence.

Reason 3: Resiliency

The fitter and healthier you are the more “bounce back ability” you have. We live in times of constant change and need to be resilient to thrive.

Reason 4: Reduced Stress

Exercising releases built up emotions and stress. How many times have you been exhausted, exercised and felt fantastic after wards. All those endorphins doing their magic!

So how do you keep fit and healthy in our busy world? 

The good news that once you know how, it's really easy. 

The key first step is making a commitment to yourself to change your behaviours.

I have created a simple model (MDQS) and approach I teach to leaders to ensure their efforts are balanced and all areas for increasing vitality are covered. It is easy to miss a few areas when we are busy, we need all four areas to be focussed on to maximise our vitality.

MDQS

MDQS - 4 straight forward lifestyle actions for you to consider

Movement: 

Exercise every day. I like to do compound exercises using Tabata or HIIT workouts 3 times a week and a couple of runs/swim/walk – a long one in the countryside on a Sunday. I love to get outside as much as possible because the benefits are so much greater than in an indoor gym. I like to use mundane things like cleaning the car, house chores or gardening as workouts. Do little things like use the stairs more often, cycle instead of using the car. If you do use the car, park it as far from the door as possible! Find exercise that you enjoy.

Diet: 

My body prefers a high protein, high fat, and low carb diet. It's not for everyone so find out what works for you. There is a great deal of nonsense talked about regarding diets and food. I like to cut out as much processed and sugary food as possible (the odd cake and chocolate bar does find it way in!) and enjoy great natural foods and a balanced diet. Food is to be enjoyed and a time to refuel your body. And drink plenty of water!

Quiet:

Spending time reflecting being mindful, meditating is really important. Find time to do it! I love the great outdoors and being by the sea or in the mountains to just be in the moment. No gadgets allowed!!

Sleep:

So important to get right. Rest is when your body rebuilds itself and bounces back stronger. So many people over train or over do work. See rest and an important part of keeping fit and healthy.

So there you have it. If you want to be a better leader and be fit for duty … ensure you have the right lifestyle.

Let me know your thoughts and how you get on...

Every success,

Graham

About the author

Graham is on a mission to change the way organisations are being led. His sole purpose is to awaken possibility in leaders to deliver extraordinary results. Called a Leadership Wizard by his clients, he is the founder of the award winning Successfactory, author of Leadership Laid Bare! and The New Leadership Manifesto. He is trusted by many of the best leaders and organisations around the world to develop their leaders.

You can contact Graham at [email protected]

If you are intrigued and want to learn more then register interest in the Leadership Athlete Masterclass here and I'll give you a free electronic copy of The New Leadership Manifesto (￡12.99 on Amazon) Our next 2 day workshop in June is filling up fast!

www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk and www.grahamwilson.com

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