A Lesson in Self-Care & Your Career

On Monday morning, I got a kidney stone.?

I've had one before, but I feel your pain for those who have suffered from them.

Being unexpectedly sick was like dealing with a mental jungle gym. I had to reschedule appointments, and some deliverables needed to be pushed back. Thankfully, I was back to work on Wednesday, but taking two days off wasn't part of this week's plan.?

While I always advocate for self-care and encourage my clients to find ways to take care of themselves during their career and leadership journey, this was particularly challenging for me. I hate letting people down. Yes, I know they will understand. But when you are a heart-centered leader and a planner, there is power in the pivot when things happen unexpectedly.?

I want to share a few of my favorite self-care tips to help you navigate all of the stress and emotions you may be dealing with right now.?

1.?????Protect Your Time.

It's easy to get consumed by how the day will unfold, but it's important to schedule your time. By protecting your time, you are putting yourself first, when you are able, to make sure you get the care and things you need each day. For example, schedule your lunch. If you aren't, start doing it. You need that mental and physical nourishment to fuel you for the rest of your day. Nothing is that important. It can't wait 20-30 minutes, or longer, for you to fuel your body. And you can do the same thing to protect time during your workday to get the things you need to do.?

2.?????Set Boundaries with Colleagues. (Especially If You Are in a Leadership Role.)

Heart-centered leaders often suffer from responding to people anytime or anywhere. You may think it's best to respond to their request at that moment, even though it may sidetrack you from a task or conversation. Not everything is a fire that needs to be put out now. Giving yourself agency to respond at a later time can help you find more balance in your crazy and hectic workday.?

3.?????Give Yourself Some Space and Grace, Especially If You Are Back at the Worksite.

I'm hearing from many people that it's taking them some time to get their schedule back on track, given that they are being called back to the office. You've had a routine you've adjusted to for the last two years, and now, that's changing again. Your 1-minute walk to your home office is now being replaced with a commute, traffic, and stress you haven't had to deal with for the last two years. Don't let that influencer ruin your day or upset your balance. It's okay not to be "perfect" as you carve out your day when you return to the worksite. You'll figure it out, but this is a great time to establish some new habits and practices to make your work life a bit more balanced – the way you want.?

SHOW UP for yourself so that you can SHOW UP for everyone else.

You are worth it!

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This Week on The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

Episode 92 – Going for the Ask & Thriving After Being Fired with Robin Merle

At one of the highest points in her career,?Robin Merle ?was told she was no longer needed. This "stun gun moment" fueled her book,?Involuntary Exit: A Woman's Guide to Thriving After Being Fired, ?chronicles what happens to women leaders when they are let go from their organizations.?

Robin Merle has helped raise over half of a billion dollars in philanthropy for various organizations and most recently?served as the Vice President and Executive Director of the John Jay College Foundation at the City University of New York. Today, she is the principal of Robin Merle Associates, LLC.?

In this episode, you will learn why Robin's career in philanthropy and fundraising was so successful, how to ask for what you want, how to deal with "No" in your career, as well as what Robin has learned from her Involuntary Exit and the women she's researched who've experienced the same thing.?

Click here to listen to "Going for the Ask & Thriving After Being Fired with Robin Merle," ?or find "The Mid-Career GPS Podcast" on Apple Podcasts or your favorite platform.

Click?here ?to connect with Robin on LinkedIn and visit her website at?https://www.theprofessionalguide.com .

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Celebration for The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

Yesterday, I received an email from?Mac Prichard , who hosts one of the most popular career podcasts called "Find Your Dream Job," a podcast for professionals focused on finding work that matters. I'll be a guest on his podcast later this year.?

Mac emailed me that my podcast, "The Mid-Career GPS Podcast," is listed in his?Guide to the Top Career Podcasts for 2022 . I'm beyond honored to be included and highlighted alongside some of the most wonderful and popular career podcasts.

If you are looking for a new podcast to listen to as you navigate your leadership and career journey,?I'd love for you to check out the list and download Mac's guide by clicking here. (You don't have to give your email address, just click and download.)