You’re an Athlete

All top athletes will tell you that rest is equally important as the time spent on training, practice, and races. You need to invest time to recover from your efforts to get better and let your body, mind, and soul process what they have learned.

I’ve been a leader and executive for many years, responsible for thousands of people and large amounts of revenue and profits. I’ve been traveling and commuting often, sometimes with 100+ flights yearly. I’ve learned a thing or two about energy depletion and preservation. Late evenings with lots of food and an alcoholic beverage or two, time zone jet lags, and early and late meetings. There was constant pressure to perform better, especially when the wind was in your face.

People expect you to be sharp, on your game, and always leading them. They expect you to be available, communicative, and ready to provide direction when needed. Your people are observing you at all times. They follow every move. Most of them are cheering for you; some are waiting for you to fail. They’re either after your job or don’t like you. This is not abnormal. It’s the cost of doing business.

You can’t be liked by everyone.

Be aware. Awareness and attention are what it all boils down to. You have a high-profile job, and people are watching. They want to see what you’re doing and how you’re doing…