An important requirement for a successful career transition is having the fitness to accomplish it. In working with clients who are considering a move to a different job, a change to a new career, or creating an encore career, too often I hear the same limiting health and wellness thinking:
- “I’m overweight, but that’s a losing battle.”
- “I used to run marathons, but I don’t have time to train anymore.”
- “I love exercise, but I am too tired when I get home at night.”
- “I don’t have time to cook healthy.”
- “Meditation is not for me.
- “I am so stressed out trying to figure out what to do.”
Sound familiar? With my clients, we discuss the advantages of proper diet and exercise and how it fuels the body. It controls weight. It gets more blood to the brain to foster creativity and clearer thinking. It reduces stress from work and life. It combats disease. It improves your mood. It enhances your sleep. It can be fun. You may live longer. Hearing this, few would disagree. Meditation is another reliever of stress. But, making exercise, diet, and meditation happen is another story.  Below are a few tips from my clients who have taken the steps to improve their health and wellbeing:
- Schedule it on the calendar. Commit, make a date with yourself to exercise.
- Exercise with a buddy who will serve as your accountability partner. As a coach, I am my client’s accountability partner. I believe healthy clients, happy careers!
- Keep track of your progress. If losing weight is a goal – weigh in once a week to see your progress. Putting it on paper helps you acknowledge your progress.
- Join a weight loss program. Two years ago, I joined Weight Watchers when my two best friends were French fries and chocolate chip cookies. In one year I lost 20 pounds and have never felt more energetic and full of life.
- Set weight goals and award yourself at milestones. Just not a fat piece of cake!
- Consult with a dietitian on healthy meal planning.
- Meditation is a stress reliever and going into the quiet zone, can help you get a different perspective on your career journey. Check out my recent blog post on my own introduction to meditation.
- Start slow and increase exercise levels over time.
- Take breaks from your day at work to either meditate or just take a walk.
- Use the corporate gym if you have one.
Taking care of yourself is so important to career transitions. There is only one you to offer the world. Let it be your best body and mind!
