Performing at a High Level: How business executives can stay healthy, motivated

For business owners and busy executives, stress comes with the job. It’s part and parcel of the responsibilities and elevated expectations executives face every day. But expecting stress because you live with it every day isn’t enough: You need to find ways to manage stress and mitigate its potentially destructive impact. Especially if you want to continue your career trajectory.

Focus on finances

A recent CNBC report indicated that 30 percent of Americans are stressed about their finances. It’s a problem that’s not confined to middle- or lower-class Americans; people at all socioeconomic levels are anxious about money. Even high-earning business executives can benefit psychologically and emotionally from diligent budgeting and organization where their finances are concerned. It’s one very big issue that’s good to have under control when you face the stresses of confrontation and need for high performance every day.

Make saving money and investing wisely financial priorities, and examine your budget on a regular basis. Business owners also need to take special care when it comes to their credit score because it’s important professionally as well as personally, particularly when you need fresh capital to expand your business. If you’re not agonizing over money issues, you’re more likely to  have the time and energy to stay motivated and move toward your goals.

Stay fit

Keeping your energy level up is vital if you’re to function at a high level. Exercise not only benefits the body, it also impacts your mental and emotional state. Vigorous exercise creates a chemical reaction in the brain that boosts mood and perspective, improves cognitive performance, and helps you maintain a high level of personal motivation, which is essential for business executives.

Stay client-ready

It’s a hard-and-fast rule of business that executives must be prepared to meet with prospective clients, often on short notice. They may want to see and assess your background and qualifications without having to glean the information in an awkward interview situation. Be sure your resume is always ready to go – make any necessary updates and give it a lean, professional look that will impress any would-be client. If necessary, spend time reviewing online resume templates to get ideas for designs and formats that are sure to impress. You may just find a style that helps you win a new piece of business.

Declutter your schedule

A busy schedule is a big part of being a business executive. With so many demands on your time, you need to be discriminating about your schedule to make time for yourself so you can brainstorm new ideas, and work on projects that keep you motivated to achieve your personal objectives. Achieving new goals requires the time it takes to fine-tune one’s goals and develop strategies accordingly. Avoid impromptu meetings as much as possible and minimize appointments that don’t bear directly on business when you’re especially busy.

Make sure to delegate

Delegating tasks to staff comes easier to some executives than others, but it’s absolutely necessary for a business owner or executive trying to keep pace with a supercharged schedule. It ultimately comes down to trust – you must trust that the people you’ve hired will perform as needed. Bear in mind that you’re just one person and the more you try to take on yourself, the less effective you’ll be. Let others handle the day-to-day responsibilities in departments like accounting and human resources, unless there’s an emergency requiring you to intervene.

Trust your personal organizer

Even if you have a secretary to handle your schedule, it’s important to maintain a personal organizer so you’re able to track and manage the attainment of your personal goals. Having a sense of control over your life is a good way to reduce stress, improve productivity, and find time for the “big picture” creative planning that’s so important to the success of any business executive. Your organizer can serve as a personal reminder of what means the most to you and keep you motivated to make your vision a reality.

It’s difficult to achieve your business and personal objectives when you’re stressed and overworked. Business executives need time to think creatively and work toward their goals. Staying motivated to that end means you need to delegate the smaller stuff, stay organized, and guard your time carefully.