Never Put Your Mask on Too Tight

Never Put Your Masks on Too Tight

By: Peeps

Over the last 20 years, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that “I can’t put my mask on too tight.” If you haven’t noticed, I love sales. I love helping people become the best versions of THEMSELVES. Just this past year, I learned a long overdue lesson. After 20 years in sales, I had put so much of myself into my career that I forgot who I WAS. Like, the real me. Not the sales dude.

I forgot how much I liked to be outside. I lost sight of the passions in my life. I literally forgot I snowboarded. My wife didn’t even know it was a passion of mine until five years into our marriage. I quit writing and playing music professionally. I became hot-headed at home vs. the calm and patient person I always was. I ran so hard through the doors of my career that it was affecting my health immensely. I am 5’ 7” (on a good day with the right shoes). I cared so much more for my career than my health that I reached almost 200 lbs in weight. I ate out of Styrofoam containers for a minimum of one meal a day. The thing is, I didn’t even see what was happening to myself.

Awards, bonuses, commissions, and the title on a business card had become priority number one. Almost as if it was in stone and there was no other path forward except success. I was breaking for years and tossed duct tape on my business bruises to keep moving forward. But eventually, the business machine I had become broke down. It literally exploded to a place where it needed to be considered a total loss vs. a rebuild. With the support of my leadership team, my company, and my family, I took a step back for a short time. I made changes to my life and lost over 60 lbs. I started prioritizing my family, the things I love, and the things that bring me happiness. I started being okay with receiving help vs. taking life’s challenges on my own. I am becoming a better person. I can see it when I look at myself in the mirror.

Reflecting on Your True Self

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Today, when you look at yourself, see the person you were in the third grade. Remind yourself that you were fun in college. Think of a few things you used to love that you forgot about along your career path. Put those things on your priority list with equal or greater priority than your career, money, and rising the business ladder. It took me too long to realize the impact of nearly two decades of unbalanced prioritization in my life.

I hope this post gets even one reader to make a change before you become someone you don’t recognize anymore. My career, home life, how I am spending my time, and the love I have for life are making me a BETTER professional. I have been more creative, am thinking more clearly, and have the most positive outlook on life I’ve ever had. When we run too hard, too fast, for too long, passing out is inevitable.

Action Steps

What are three things YOU used to love that you no longer prioritize?

Write them down and decide to do them ALL over the next 30 days. Remind yourself of what really matters. Your career will thank you! Life is a marathon and not a sprint! “Never put your masks on too tight.” You may not be able to get it off.

Final Thoughts

Find yourself today,

-Peeps