Mind or Game: What's the Link?

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday last week and hopefully had a time to spend with those you love, have some time off of work, and eat some yummy food. We are entering into the last few weeks of 2024 and that can cause a lot of emotions- stress, fear, excitement, you name it. Stress and mental health have a direct link together. As many of you may know or have seen, there is a rise in the frequency in which we talk about mental health, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. I wanted to start off today’s newsletter with a question for you to ponder.

What is the link between strategy and mental health? Or is there one?

Strategy or being strategic is really being intentional of how you use your resources (time, energy, attention, knowledge) to make the most impact AND making sure that it aligns with the goals and plans that you have. This again is true both personally and professionally. Being intentional and strategic allows you to set boundaries, say no, and really evaluate the spaces in which you are operating. This shows that you respect yourself and your time. Boundaries are also important both when you have them with yourself and others to remove some decision fatigue (you know what aligns and what doesn’t), brings in more respect, and allows you to operate more fully. Boundaries are also important with reducing burnout because you are not just focused on the here and now, but more long term how you want to show up in the different spaces in your life. Now are you starting to see the connection?

Many leaders, businesses, and organizations talk mental health, they may even bring in a speaker or do a workshop. BUT what is the follow up? How are we ensuring we set boundaries, work and live strategically, and expect those we have influence in to do the same? We can model strategic and intentional behavior for our teams, our children, and our friends/family. A one time workshop may not change your life, but living a life where your time, energy, and resources are aligned with your values and boundaries, that brings out a new level of peace, fulfillment, and positive mental health.

How can you support the mental health of yourself and those around you in the context of being strategic?

1) Assess needs- talk with people on your team/family, see what’s going on both good and bad in terms of mental health. Be willing to truly hear the answers they have to share.

2) Set clear goals and boundaries- know what you want, where you’re going, and the driving force of your values leading the way. If something doesn’t align with your values and goals, it should not be the focus right now.

3) Talk about it- remove the shame of talking about mental health and also goals/boundaries. Shame thrives in secrecy.

4) Get some help! There is no shame in asking for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. I would love to be able to walk alongside you as you plan out both your personal and professional goals for this coming year. Whether you are a parent, a business owner/leader, a nonprofit leader, it’s important to have someone safe you can talk through and helps you push your own thinking to show up as your best selves. Snatch a 45 strategy call where we can dive into all things goals, boundaries, and aligning values to wrap up this year and create momentum for 2025. You are worth it! Your goals are worth it!