Thriving in the Pursuit of Success: Achieving Peak Performance and Wellness as You Rise & Flourish in Corporate

“You can have everything you want, just not all at the same time.”??

I remember hearing this advice in one form or another in the early phases of my career. At the time, I set out to disprove the sage advice offered by women who walked the executive path long before I donned a cap and gown.

In my mind, I vowed to break every record. I committed to becoming a Vice President by the age of 35. I had countries picked out for future global assignments that would become my stepping stones to senior leadership. I even created a profile for my ideal husband, our two perfect children, and the white picket fence that would surround our sprawling estate.

As the fantasized cloud of my dream life began to evaporate to create room for the beautiful and colored mosaic my real world would become, I slowly began to remember whisperings of the wisdom that had been shared in my early career days.

I learned my husband would have dreams of his own and my aspirations of being published on a “40 under 40” list would need to be adjusted. When we understood we’d be raising two boys on the Autism Spectrum, every timeline I created collapsed. Every priority was released and my entire life was re-designed around ensuring my children received the best care possible with every resource available to nurture their development.

As our family found our flow with finding the right resources to support our needs, my possibilities began to expand again. I realized much of what I originally “dreamed” of had very little to do with the desires of my heart.

I was following a prescribed path dictated by others to define success. The journey of reimagining my life as a mother responsible for two future disruptive leaders has been a tremendous gift, especially to my career development.

I’m sharing some of the insights I’ve learned through tremendous trials and spectacular errors, affectionately described by me as “The School of Hard Knocks”.

When it comes to professional achievement, it's essential to prioritize not only success but also personal well-being. For ambitious women of color, aiming for senior executive roles while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life can seem like a daunting task. Hello to my crew of trailblazers chanting “VP by 33”. I see your passion and energy.??

I challenge you to consider the benefits of training for quality instead of speed.

With a holistic approach and intentional strategies, it is possible to achieve sustainable peak performance that helps you continuously rise within your organization. You can do this while also practicing wellness habits that support a life where you truly flourish.?

In this article, we will explore key principles and practical tips to help you thrive on your journey to success.

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness:

To achieve peak performance and wellness, start by developing self-awareness. Understand your strengths, values, and purpose. Reflect on what drives you, what brings you joy, and what fuels your motivation. This self-awareness will guide your decision-making and help you align your career choices with your personal mission.

2. Set Clear Goals:

Define your goals both in your professional and personal life. Create a vision of the life you want to build, considering various aspects such as career growth, relationships, health, and leisure. Break down these goals into actionable steps and set realistic timelines. Clear goals provide direction and focus, helping you stay on track while nurturing your overall well-being. 12 week goals help you build momentum quickly and manage efficiency.

3. Prioritize Well-being:

Recognize that peak performance and wellness go hand in hand. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Establish healthy habits such as regular exercise, nourishing your body with nutritious food, and getting enough sleep. Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or journaling to maintain a balanced mindset. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is crucial for sustainable success.

4. Embrace a Growth Mindset:

Adopt a growth mindset that thrives on challenges and embraces learning opportunities. Understand that setbacks and failures are stepping stones to growth and resilience. Seek continuous learning and development, both within your field and in areas that expand your horizons. Embrace curiosity and see every experience as an opportunity to learn and improve.

5. Nurture Supportive Relationships:

Build a network of mentors, sponsors, and peers who can provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Seek mentors who have navigated similar paths and can offer valuable insights and advice. Cultivate relationships with sponsors who can advocate for your advancement. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your aspirations, providing a supportive community where you can learn, grow, and flourish together.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Balance:

Integrate mindfulness into your daily routine to stay present and grounded amidst the demands of your career. Create boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize quality time with loved ones, engage in hobbies and activities that bring you joy, and allow yourself space to recharge and rejuvenate. Remember that a well-rounded life encompasses not only professional success but also personal fulfillment.

7. Embrace Imperfection and Celebrate Milestones:

Acknowledge that perfection is unattainable and that mistakes are part of the growth process. Embrace imperfection as an opportunity to learn and refine your skills. Celebrate milestones and achievements along the way, both big and small. Recognize the progress you make and take time to appreciate your efforts and the positive impact you create.

Achieving peak performance and wellness while building a life where you flourish requires a balanced approach that encompasses self-awareness, goal-setting, well-being, growth mindset, relationships, mindfulness, and celebration. By integrating these principles into your life, you can navigate the journey to success with grace and fulfillment.?

Always remember, true success lies not only in reaching your career goals but also in cultivating a life where you holistically flourish.

Now that I’ve spent nearly 2 decades growing a career within the Fortune 100 while raising a family, I have different advice for our next generation of leaders.

You can have everything you want if you make room in your life for it to grow well.

About the author:

Rafat Fields is a transformational personal brand coach and speaker for executive servant leaders on the rise within the Fortune 500.

With nearly 2 decades of experience building billion-dollar brands within large corporations, her structured approach is built upon a deep understanding of human behavior to expand influence and build strategically aligned relationships that elevate organizational results.?

As an Enlifted? Mindset Coach, National Academy of Sports Medicine?

Certified Personal Trainer, and USA Weightlifting Master’s Level Athlete, she activates the integration of inner and outer strength to develop holistic leadership practices that improve health and build community.