Dodging Bullets - The Importance of Rest and Relaxation for the Leader

10 years ago, something happened that changed my outlook on business and life.

Let me explain more!

The business breakfast event that I hosted was a success. The customers that came along were pumped and fired up to leave the venue and ready to make a difference in the business with the learnings and insights of the morning.

I packed up, adrenaline pumping, and truth be told, a little smug from the instant feedback from the customers who left the building.

It was a good. No! It was a great morning.

As I walked to the car, laden down with all the equipment and stuff that I had to provide for the event, I did not feel right.

I was unusually out of breath and a bit heady. I got into the car, waited for my body to calm down and fortunately was able to drive safely home.

When I got home, that is when things got a bit weird - and quickly!

To cut a long story short, my leg had ballooned to three times the size on my calf. Overnight the thigh part of the same leg had ballooned up too. An urgent appointment and subsequent same day scan identified that I had a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

I had not travelled for several months, so unsure of what triggered it. Needless to say that subsequent treatment and a chat with the consultant told me the blunt truth that the DVT was so severe that I could have died if I did not reacted as fast as I did.

For me, I know how this happened. The many, many years of long 12 hour work stints, sitting at my desk, travelling all over the world, not too much exercise and very little daily water intake, added to not being at my best physically and also mentally, had taken its toll on my body.

So this is what I did to change my life, which in turn changed my business for the better.

• I valued the importance of looking after 'me'. I had one body, so get real about looking after it
• I cut out going to bed late and sought to get at least 7h a night sleep
• I eat my main meal earlier in the day (most of the time before 6pm) to ensure that I did not go to bed late on a full stomach
• I book a short break once a quarter (4 day long weekends) and one holiday (at least 10 day break) once a year. These are diarised and non-negotiable
• I spend time in the morning at least 3 times a week on an exercise routine
• I spend the same time in the morning preparing my mind, meditating, praying and ensuring that my focus is positive on the things I need to do for the day
• I am ruthless now on doing things that give me the biggest impact on my time and energies. Or investing time in the people who will benefit the most.

This impact and focus meant that I was able to do much more as my mind was sharp, clear of fogginess and my body able to cope with the stresses and demands of running several businesses.

I sleep better too.

Finally I thank God to be alive to be able to see, hold and play with my first grandchild.

So do not make the same mistake I made. Because unlike me you may not have a second chance!

If you want to know more about the importance of rest and relaxation for the business leader, then have a look at the chapter on the same topic in my book '10 Commandments of Business Growth' on Amazon, in Book, Kindle and Audible versions. Click here to get your copy

Contact us if you would like support as a business leader to know how to dodge the bullet and so get a better balance in your life and business. Click?here ?for more information and a chat that is FREE.