As we wrap up this series of SNAPs, I want to dive into one final topic: the importance of preparation and the role of a support team in both our personal and professional lives. With the Olympics still fresh in our minds, I’ve been reflecting on what we can learn from athletes about preparing ourselves, as ‘business athletes’, to be fit for the rigours of daily life.
Being ready to perform when it counts
Every elite athlete has a dedicated team behind them, from physios and coaches to mindset experts and nutritionists. These professionals work together to ensure the athlete is in peak physical and mental condition, ready to perform at their best when it counts.
Now, you might not see yourself as an athlete, but whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or simply navigating the demands of work and life, it’s essential to consider who’s in your team. Who helps you get ready for success? Who supports you in staying physically fit and mentally resilient?
Who is in Your Support Team?
Your team could include anyone from a partner or close friend to a personal trainer or mentor. It could be a colleague with whom you regularly exchange ideas or a professional who helps you manage stress and maintain your wellbeing. Think about who is in your support team to boost your wellbeing.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- A Massage Therapist: Regular massages can help relieve stress and muscle tension, keeping you physically relaxed and ready for anything.
- A Nutritionist: A nutritionist can guide you in making dietary choices that fuel your body and mind, ensuring you’re at your best every day.
- A Meditation Group: Joining a meditation group can provide a sense of community while helping you cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress. And maybe make some new friends along the way.
- An Art Class or Creative Group: Whether it’s painting, pottery, or knitting, getting creative can be a fun and restorative stress-buster.
- A Personal Trainer or Fitness Buddy: Having a workout partner can keep you motivated and accountable, making it easier to stick to your physical fitness goals.
- A Mental Health Professional: Sometimes you just need someone to chat with about life’s ups and downs, and a mindset coach, therapist or counsellor can be that person who helps you sort things out.
- A Mentor or Career Coach: Someone who provides guidance and perspective on your professional journey can be a crucial part of your support team.
Think of these people as your personal power squad—there to lift you up, keep you balanced, and help you shine. Building a support team can make all the difference in keeping you happy, healthy, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.
The Power of Being Part of a Team
It’s important to recognise that while it’s essential to have a support team, it’s equally valuable to be part of someone else’s team. Who are you supporting? Whose success are you contributing to? Being an active member of someone else’s team not only strengthens your relationships but also reinforces the sense of community and connection that’s so vital to our wellbeing.
Preparing to Be Our Best
So as we bring this series to a close I wanted to recap what we have discussed over the last month. Life, like athletics, is full of big events—important meetings, critical projects, and personal milestones. To perform at your best during these moments, preparation is key. Just as athletes train with cadence before a competition, we too must invest in our physical and mental wellbeing to be ready for these challenges.
This preparation isn’t just about getting through the day; it’s about thriving when it matters most. Ensuring you’re in top form, both physically and emotionally, allows you to show up as your best self, whether it’s for a big business presentation or a key moment personally. In order to succeed, your mindset is your most powerful tool. So fueling your mindset with the right thoughts and energies to ensure you’re mentally prepared to deliver your best.
The Importance of Rest and Recovery
Equally important as preparation is the need for rest and recovery. Athletes understand that their bodies need time to recover after intense training or competition. The same principle applies to us. This touches on the final point I made last week, which was about putting yourself first. We should be pre-empting the big events in life and work, prioritising our wellbeing and giving ourselves time before and after tackling these events to rest and recover. Not all events are predictable, so when you’re managing a big work project or navigating a stressful period in life, it’s crucial to give yourself time to recharge.
Rest and recovery aren’t just about taking a holiday or day off; they’re about allowing your mind and body to recuperate, I like to call these slivers of recovery.
So, I encourage you to take some time to think about your support team, and who you support. Take a moment to think about how you prepare for the big moments in life, what is the one thing you could change today to be better prepared?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series and found it valuable as you navigate your journey through life and work.
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