Invisible health challenges present many challenges outside the scope of the health challenge itself. From autoimmune diseases to chronic pain or fatigue, to a myriad of various illnesses that are far too long to list here, anything that impacts your physical health impacts all areas of your life, including your business.
And because you’re likely to have at least a little bit of an achiever personality if you’re in business for yourself, there’s a good chance you don’t want your health to slow you down.
But here’s the catch. Trying to push through your challenges, trying to hide them or otherwise deny their existence or the impact of their existence, is precisely what will hold you and your business back in the long run.
Samples of Denial
Do you ever hear yourself saying things like “I’m just tired today.” or “No, I’m fine.” or “If I just push through today I’ll be okay.” when in reality you’re just trying to get through the day? This is what I’m referring to as hiding or otherwise denying the impact of your health challenges.
It’s a dangerous slippery slope to function on. It lacks self-honesty and that means decisions that impact you, your clients, your relationships, and your business are based on faulty grounds. Strong businesses and healthy well-being are built on strong foundations. And strong foundations must be built on honesty.
“I shut my first business down 3 times in the first 5 years because I was not honest with myself about my health challenges and the impact they had on myself and my business.”
How do you build your business and your well-being based on honesty alongside health challenges… challenges that others can’t see and might even question?
The answer is to accept your health challenges, to embrace them. Why? Because then and only then can you truly make decisions that are good for your health, well-being and business.
One of the first steps to living well with health challenges is acknowledging that you’re not alone. According to the CDC, “More than half (51.8%) of adults had at least 1 of 10 selected diagnosed chronic conditions” and this study only includes 10 illnesses.
Quick Check Point: Is My Health Impacting My Business?
Your health might be impacting you and your business more than you realize or care to admit. This is because we want to contribute, we want to achieve success, and we want to participate in life without compromise.
Quickly read the following seven statements. Intuitively answer each question. Do it quickly, no second-guessing! Ready, set, GO!
- I tend to be tired, in pain, or otherwise have increased symptoms after finishing certain work projects or tasks.
- At times, I worry about my ability to show up consistently to serve my clients due to my health.
- I get frustrated because I know I have the skills and knowledge to be successful with my business. Yet I worry about managing my health or about having increased fatigue, pain, or symptoms.
- Sometimes I’m hesitant to take on new work or projects. In the back of my mind, I realize it might overwhelm my health and well-being.
- At times, I try to hide my health challenges from my peers, clients or others.
- I lack the confidence to show up on social media and/or on podcasts as much as I’d like due to health challenges.
- My business takes all my energy and I have little left for socializing and relationships.
Let’s Discuss Your Results
Did you answer yes to one or more questions? If so, your health IS impacting your business and is likely creating additional stress in your life. If you answered yes to three or more questions, your health is holding you back from achieving the success you desire and deserve.
Are you curious about how much your health challenges are interplaying with your work and life? Or what actions you can begin to take to minimize their impact? If so, I invite you to learn about my in-depth Lifestyle Assessment which is designed specifically for entrepreneurs with any type of health challenge that interrupts your day-to-day business or makes you question your ability to grow your business. If you know without question you want and need this assessment, you can purchase it now. A private coaching session is included.
By accepting and embracing your challenges and acknowledging their impact on your life and business, you can better support the success you desire.
Comments are closed.