Mindful Musings Newsletter #7: The Power of the BEAT Model and Energy Management

Dear Readers,

I hope this seventh edition of the Mindful Musings newsletter finds you well and thriving. In our last newsletter, we delved into the transformative power of connection and community, as experienced during my recent trip to Nashville.

Today, I want to build upon those insights and introduce you to a life-changing model recurring theme in my conversations with my good friend and Mindful Paths Podcast co-host Hari Kalymnios, MSc.

The BEAT model

Hari developed his unique and transformative framework, the BEAT model, over a decade ago. He designed it with the sole aim of optimising health, vitality, energy, and mindset.

It represents four essential pillars of well-being: Brain, Elements, Activity, and Tranquility. By focusing on these areas, we can create a more balanced and vibrant life, allowing us to "thrive" rather than merely "survive."

Hari referred to it in a previous LinkedIn post here - but I thought I'd break it down for you again in this newsletter because it truly could change your life - or, as Hari would prefer me to put it, the BEAT model could help you become "Superhuman" (although I swear he only came up with this as an excuse for him to wear his famous Superman T-Shirt). ????

Anyhow, I digress! So, let's dive in...

B is for Brain:

As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus wisely said,

"It's not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters."

Training our minds and aligning our beliefs and identities with our goals lays the foundation for a life of purpose and fulfilment.

E is for Elements:

This pillar encompasses how we nourish our bodies from the inside out. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, once said,

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

However, I prefer another quote of his - which I highlight in the video short below which was taken from our last Mindful Paths Podcast episode:

"Before you heal someone, ask him if he's willing to give up the things that make him sick."

Crazily, readers, despite the 2,400 years that have passed since Hippocrates first said these words, many of us still struggle with managing the simplest of concepts regarding our health.

A is for Activity:

Movement, passion, service, purpose, and connection all fall under this pillar. As Mother Teresa beautifully put it,

"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved."

We can create a life rich in love and purpose by cultivating meaningful relationships and engaging in activities that light us up.

Hari often emphasises the importance of this area, reminding us that while healthy habits like drinking green smoothies and wearing blue-light-blocking glasses are beneficial, they cannot replace the profound impact of human connection and engaging in activities that make us feel truly alive.

T is for Tranquility:

In a world that glorifies hustle and grind, it's easy to overlook the importance of rest and rejuvenation. As the Dalai Lama reminds us:

"Sleep is the best meditation."

By prioritising sleep, meditation, and digital detoxes, we give our bodies and minds a chance to recharge, allowing us to be our best selves in all areas of life.

The beauty of the BEAT model lies in its practicality. As Hari's favourite martial artist, Bruce Lee, once famously said:

"Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and add what is uniquely your own."

By experimenting with different practices and finding what works for you, you can create a personalised blueprint for vibrant living.

Now, one of the vital aspects that underpins the BEAT model is energy. Personally, readers, I like to visualise myself as a rechargeable battery that constantly needs topping up and recharging. Just as a Formula 1 race can be won or lost in the pits (no matter how great the car or talented the driver), if we do not prioritise our pit stops and dedicate time to genuine, uninterrupted recovery, we are always going to struggle to feel "Superhuman". in fact, we are more likely to suffer burn out and fall short of our goals.

Never Foget to Energize

It's important readers, that we also recognise that energy isn't just about how we feel physically. In the book "Energize," written by the very talented Simon Alexander Ong , energy is thought of and discussed on multi-dimensional planes, encompassing four key aspects: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Like the BEAT model, we are unlikely to perform at our best if any energy buckets need to be in sync. As Simon aptly puts it:

"Many of us are exhausted, not because we are physically doing too much, but because we are doing too little of the things that bring us joy."

This statement resonates deeply with me, readers. It also speaks to the BEAT model's philosophy of holistic well-being. That's because we feel empty when we neglect our activities and relationships, even if we manage our time effectively.

Moreover, as leaders and influencers, it's crucial to recognise that our actions emit energy, and it's our responsibility to ensure that we emit positive energy that we can transfer to others. By embodying the principles of the BEAT model and leading by example, we can create a ripple effect of positive energy that inspires and uplifts those around us.

So, readers, I invite you to reflect on how you can incorporate the BEAT model into your life, paying particular attention to your energy management's mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and trust the process. As Lao Tzu said:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Consider which element of the BEAT model or energy system may need to be added or raised. In my previous newsletter, I shared how my trip to Nashville helped me reconnect with my sense of community and belonging, filling an energy bucket (or a visualised battery in my case) that I knew was running low.

More importantly, if you want to find out more about each aspect of the BEAT Model - then check out one of our earlier Mindful Paths podcasts that I recorded with Hari because we really dive deep into the detail - you can check it out here (and it should be available on all major podcast channels) - The Leadership BEAT Model: Stress, Sacrifices, Joy and Social Connection #06

If you enjoy these musings, I am confident you will also love the more recent episodes of our Mindful Paths Podcast, available on all major platforms and YouTube.

Before I sign off, I want to take a final moment, in memory of my dad, to urge all men to prioritise their health and get checked for prostate cancer regularly. If you experience any symptoms, please don't hesitate to consult with your doctor or visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/ for more information.

Remember, your day doesn't dictate your mood; your mood dictates your day!

In gratitude,

Nick Day

Founder,

T4M Coaching Founder

JGA Recruitment Group