Is it because you're not putting yourself first?

How many problems in your life right now are the result of not putting yourself first?  At first glance, you might think that this could not be possible.  This is a time where there is the internet, we can access voice or text messages 24-7, and where we can tap into more luxuries than ever before.  Even for the "on demand" generation, where do "you" fit into your priorities?

I have to admit that this is a question that I have been pondering lately.  I am so fortunate to love what I do.  I am passionate about working with people and organizations as it relates to success.  It can be hard for me to separate the work time from my personal time.  That's generally a good problem to have.  But recently, as my business has experienced growth and as you may already know, I have 3 growing boys, I have started to let myself come last.

In a short amount of time, I had such a packed calendar that I wasn't eating more than a meal a day, I wasn't sleeping well (beginning work at 4am), I wasn't making time for my friends, and I certainly wasn't getting much exercise, aside from getting kids in and out of car seats.  I started to make a lot of explanations... I am travelling out of province, I have a husband doing renovations, I have 3 boys, I have a busy consulting practice...  Those all seemed like pretty acceptable reasons, but for me, they started to seem like excuses.  I knew I had to make it stop.  I was the only one who could.

I made a shift in my perspective.  (The mind is a powerful thing!)  I have begun to make time for myself.  I am currently reading a book that has nothing to do with work.  One where I can get lost in a different world for 5 minutes or an hour.  I have reconnected with my best girlfriends, sharing stories and laughing about nothing in particular.  I have begun to eat and drink more regularly.  I have given myself permission to sleep in.  I have enlisted a coach to help me make these changes in a sustainable way.  By doing all of this, I have started to remember that I am special and unique and that if I want to share my gifts with others, I have to take care of myself.

This little insight may only be applicable to me.  But if not, and you can benefit from my story, take a little time to consider if you are putting yourself first in ways that really matter.  Do you remember what it means to feel relaxed?  Someone very close to me recently said that I looked different and I have come to conclude it was due to the fact that he hadn't seen me feeling relaxed in almost 3 months.   Take a look in the mirror and consider what your face is telling you.

And if I can be of help, contact me.  I am a coach who is a real person, who has and does continue to overcome many of the same challenges you are facing.  I'd be glad to walk alongside you and help you to put yourself first!

Announcement:

With the support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Blue Core Coaching has again partnered with SageComm for marketing and public relations consulting.