Whether it’s the holidays, or not, taking care of yourself is critical to maintaining a personal brand that is strategic and authentic. After all, you are no good to anyone else if you aren’t good to yourself!
Here are 4 ways you can show yourself some love and recharge:
- Slow down.
LIDA360.com I know you’re thinking, “but I don’t have time!!!” Yes, you do. I’ve had three friends who were busy and successful entrepreneurs slow down dramatically when a cancer diagnosis reorganized their daily schedules for them. If you have small kids, care for an elderly parent, or run a global business, slowing down the pace from time to time is paramount. When you slow down — even for 20 minutes a day – you can evaluate your priorities, learn a new skill or talent, reconnect to your faith, reach out to a family member/pet/friend/client you’ve neglected, or even start a journal. Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping, it simply entails taking a deep breath or two and focusing on being present instead of rushing to the next project.I am working with a business coach, and one of my actual business goals is to spend at least half an hour a day focused on reading. Not business books, but something that will inspire or motivate me. One day it might be the Bible, the next day a novel about someone who triumphed over challenge, or a comedy essay to lighten the mood. Slowing down is part of how I will grow my business!
- Get moving.
I’m not an exercise person. I consider running from one meeting (or airport) to another enough of a workout! But, a year and a half ago, I hired a personal trainer who keeps me focused, accountable, and upbeat about my progress. I do as much as I can fit in my schedule (and budget) to keep myself going in the direction of being as healthy as I can. Moving means being outside in your environment (the mall doesn’t count!) and taking in the sights. See what’s around you as you walk or run around the neighborhood. How is nature changing your environment? Is the snow melting? When will the bulbs start blooming? What critters are around you this time of year? Become observant to your area. Moving also means keeping your health in check. You won’t move well if you aren’t eating healthy and getting plenty of rest. You deserve it… but you also physically need it! If you eat junk food, your body won’t move as well. Try replacing one or two meals with healthier choices and see how much better you move!
- Give.
Giving to others and being generous rarely has negative consequences. Most of the people I coach find ways to incorporate giving into their personal brand and lifestyle and are rewarded exponentially! I’ve blogged on the topic of giving because it is one of the key pillars of my own personal brand – generosity. My legacy is being shaped by why I give, how much I give, what I give, and to whom I give. While this is intentional, it also becomes as natural to my lifestyle as breathing. Consider who needs something from you. Is there a community that could benefit from your talents and expertise? Are there people around you who would thrive under your mentorship? Have you built wealth and can share some of those resources with individuals or charities who need some help? Give and you will get – satisfaction, pride, and the feeling of knowing you made a difference.
- Learn.
Whether you are just starting your career or facing retirement, take time to learn something new. Reading a book, taking an online course, watching a documentary, talking to someone who’s an expert, are ways you can keep your brain young and nimble. No matter what kind of job, career, or work you do or want to do, staying current on trends and new developments is an important part of keeping your personal branding relevant. You want to be seen as someone who is contributing to the job and staying on top of new information, and learning helps you do that!
I hope these tips inspire and influence you to take time for yourself. However often you are able to slow down, focus on being healthy, give to others, and learn something new, they WILL impact your ability to grow your career and offer to existing and new audiences!
