Choosing Well-being over Ego: ?A Journey to Prioritizing Well-being over attending the World Economic Forum"

This year, as an entrepreneur, as a strong female leader and as the founder of Women on Stage? I received invitations to several high-profile meetings, workshops, lunches, and private events at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The recognition garnered by my company, Women on Stage, over the last 3.5 years filled me with pride and satisfaction. It was a dream come true, and my anticipation reached its peak as I envisaged connecting with global leaders and expanding my network.

However, amidst the excitement, an internal voice began to whisper, urging me to consider a different path—one that involved taking a rest and not attending #wef2024. Initially, this voice was drowned out by the allure of the benefits my attendance promised—the influential leaders I would meet, the impactful meetings, the potential for engaging posts, and the invaluable networking opportunities with inspiring women.

As this internal dialogue intensified, the voice advocating for rest grew stronger, cautioning against the potential burnout that awaited me if I proceeded with the non-stop working hours, numerous daily meetings, and sleepless nights. It implored me to use this week to focus on my physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of pressing the pause button to reenergize and recharge my depleted batteries.

Conversely, my ego dismissed this advice, highlighting the unique opportunities WEF presented—the chance to discover new realms, connect with influential leaders, and leverage the platform for the benefit of my company. I found myself in a state of puzzlement, irritation, and indecision, torn between these two conflicting voices.

In the early mornings, as I contemplated my decision, the voice advocating for rest cautioned me against exhausting my last reserves of energy and risking post-event fatigue or illness. On the contrary, the ambitious voice urged me to embrace my role as an energy magnet, reminding me of my capability to function optimally during and after WEF. It dismissed the notion of giving up, emphasizing my identity as an achiever.

A challenging decision between seizing a dream opportunity and prioritizing my well-being.

This internal struggle persisted until I sought advice from a fellow entrepreneur, a friend who had faced a similar dilemma the previous year. Her counsel resonated deeply—she emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing physical and mental health. Following our conversation, I promptly made the decision to cancel my accommodation and withdraw my participation from all planned WEF events.

The immediate sense of lightness that washed over me was remarkable. It felt as though a weight I had been carrying for weeks had vanished. For the first time in a while, I could take a deep breath. Surprisingly, my body, which had been signaling fatigue and stress, underwent a transformation. It was as if a surge of energy had filled me, prompting spontaneous dancing and singing—a testament to the power of a decision grounded in self-care.

While the voice of my ego still lingers, it has subdued considerably. I am content in knowing that, for this moment, well-being has taken precedence over external expectations.

Few considerations for those encountering a similar dilemma

• Listen to Your Inner Voice:

Pay attention to that subtle voice within you urging rest and self-care. It's easy to be swept away by the excitement of opportunities, but acknowledging and understanding your own physical and mental needs is crucial.

• Evaluate Long-Term Impact:

Consider the potential consequences of pushing yourself beyond your limits. Reflect on how the short-term gains from seizing an opportunity might impact your long-term well-being and overall productivity.

• Seek Advice from Peers:

Don't hesitate to reach out to fellow entrepreneurs or friends who have faced similar situations, can listen to you and share advise. Sharing experiences and seeking advice can offer valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

• Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries for your work and personal life. Understand that prioritizing well-being doesn't equate to giving up on opportunities but rather creating a sustainable approach to success.

• Embrace the Power of No:

It's okay to decline invitations or opportunities when your well-being is at stake. Remember, saying no to something now might open doors for better opportunities in the future.

• Evaluate the True Value of Opportunities:

Assess the true value of the opportunities in front of you. Will attending an event or seizing a particular opportunity significantly contribute to your goals, or are there alternative ways to achieve the same objectives without compromising your well-being?

• Build a Support System:

Surround yourself with a support system that understands the importance of well-being. Having people who encourage a balanced approach to success can make a significant difference.

I share this experience with the hope that it resonates with fellow entrepreneurs navigating the fine balance between ambition and self-care. Dreams are vital, but they should not come at the expense of our health and well-being. In the pursuit of success, let's remember to listen to the whispers of our own needs.

Remember, saying no to something now might open doors for better opportunities in the future.

Wishing all WEF participants a healthy, joyful and productive time in Davos and all entrepreneurs a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Eylem

Founder & CEO Women on Stage

[email protected]

www.womenonstage.ch

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