Make YOURSELF a Priority! Optimize your Health to be a Better Leader

“The first person you lead is you!”

You become who you surround yourself with most often.

When I was 16, I landed my first job in the health and fitness industry at a Gold’s Gym just north of Baltimore as a “service coordinator”.?Mind you, this was back in 1985 so you can imagine how much the industry has evolved since that time period.?As a service coordinator, not only did I have job duties like watching the front desk, clean and maintain the weight machines, and work the juice bar, I also took new members through workouts and spotted the muscle heads in the free weight area!?It was fun and I met a ton of nice people.?I also enjoyed working out and getting stronger as a high school football player and wrestler, so I was fortunate to find my passion at such an early age.

In my early 20’s, I gravitated back into the health and fitness industry, but through endurance sports training for triathlon.?It truly was my passion, not only to train and race as a competitor but also to coach and help others compete.??I was one of those very fortunate people to find a passion that was also a source of income and a career.

I spent the next 17 or so years of my early career in this arena as an entrepreneur making exercise videos (Spinervals Cycling) , owning a couple bike shops (TriSpeed), offering private coaching (The Triathlon Academy), conducting triathlon / cycling training camps throughout the nation and even opening a fitness center. ?I was surrounded by people who were focused on fitness and sports performance, so naturally I also focused on it too.

Then, I had the opportunity to join Life Time Fitness, a leader in the fitness industry with over 100 locations (at the time) nationwide, as they recruited me to help develop and lead the endurance sports training area of their business.?Again, my passion dovetailed with my profession and I found myself even more immersed in all elements of health and fitness. Exercise, healthy eating and general wellness practices were practiced by all and we all lived a 'Healthy Way of Life'. (The Life Time tagline.)

When I left Life Time several years ago, I made the decision to pursue another career path outside the fitness and sports performance industry.?Leveraging my experiences as a small business owner, coach and corporate team leader, Executive Coaching and Business Consulting was a clear choice for me, and here I am again living in alignment with my passion yet again and loving it!

In my practice I get to work with ultra-successful and inspiring business leaders, CEO’s and Executives from all industries.?All high achievers who set goals and go after them with focus and determination, I do notice one common theme however. That is, many executive level leaders are so focused on their business goals and their people that they sometimes neglect their own needs… in particular their own health and fitness.

And this is where it’s so exciting for me to sometimes put my “Fitness Professional” hat back on that I wore for so many years!?I now get to help my clients, CEO’s and Executives, focus more on themselves and their overall wellness while also having a positive impact on their business and leadership skill development!?It’s as if my former life as a sports performance coach and fitness pro now compliments my career as an Executive Coach.? ?

And already many of these high impact CEO’s and Executives are getting the message that personal health and fitness should be a priority. It's becoming a regular part of our discussion... our culture, so to speak. ?They are doing triathlons, trail races, working out with personal trainers regularly and getting on their bikes a few days a week.?It’s becoming clear to them that in order to optimize their performance as leaders they first need to take care of themselves, building a stronger body and therefore a stronger mind while ‘showing up’ at work with more energy.

The many benefits of exercise are so far reaching and impactful it cannot be overstated! Furthermore, the example they are setting for their team is immeasurable as they model ‘self care’ and striving for personal excellence in all they do, essentially building a culture of wellness in the workplace that can benefit everyone.

“The first person you lead is YOU!”?One of my favorite quotes, and one that all leaders should post near their computer screen.

How are you leading yourself when it comes to your health? My challenge for you today is to assess your current state of physical fitness and to see if this is an area that needs improvement.?Be honest with yourself.?Are you exercising several days a week? Eating nutritious foods??Getting enough sleep? Meditating??

If the answer is an honest ‘yes’, then good! Keep at it, as you are optimizing your personal and professional performance while also leading by example.?And if your answer is an honest ‘no’, then lets you and I have a chat on ways to develop the habits you need to improve in this area, as well as set the accountability structure in place to help you execute and see the results. Don't struggle by going at it alone... look at who you are surrounding yourself with, and if health and fitness is a value, make sure those people are aligned.

The bottom line is that no matter how big your career responsibilities might be or whatever your work title is, without your health you have nothing.?Make it a priority starting today!

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Coach Troy Jacobson is a former professional triathlete, coach and creator of the Spinervals Cycling Video Series. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Perimeter Cycling (El Tour de Tucson), one of the nation's premier cycling events showcasing the City of Tucson, AZ. A Vistage CEO Chair in Tucson AZ, he conducts leadership training workshops and delivers executive coaching services to clients nationwide. Schedule a free consultation with Troy today, [email protected]