Elite AgentOPINION

Why a healthy mind and body is the basis of career success

Every top performer has built their career on solid foundations, and often the cornerstone is physical health and mental wellbeing. Here, Image Property People and Performance Manager Steve Nottle looks at where you should begin.

Like a house we all need a good foundation. Our physical and mental well-being are the foundations of our life and our very existence.

They are the platform from which we function and perform, and our degree of success is very much the outcome of our actions and performance over time. 

Very simply put – the quality of our physical and mental health significantly influences our capacity to perform. 

So, let’s take a look at the how and why of this.

1. Brain function

It’s well proven that our brain functions significantly better when we are in a positive environment and mood.

This particularly applies to cognitive brain functions like memory, problem solving, retention, accuracy, and creativity.

Of course, these are all things that we can agree will influence our success.

Tip: Good hydration, brain breaks, empty mind moments, and some good old-fashioned laughter are simple but incredibly effective mood and brain boosters! 

2. Energy

There is no doubt that energy motivates every one of us – no one wants a tired and lazy fitness instructor after all!

But energy is both physical and mental and to be a top-performer we must be able to replenish both.

If we have more energy, then, it stands to reason that this will allow us to perform better for longer.

Tip: Quality nutrition and exercise are our two biggest energy raisers.

However, if you are not a current exerciser, please start easy. In the beginning, exercise can be an energy-drainer but after a week or two, when you have some condition built up, it will be an energy booster.

Pretty soon you won’t be able to live without it.

3. Character and charisma

While energy motivates, it is character and charisma that inspire us as well as other people. 

We all have great qualities inside of us as well as characters and unique charms.

However, unless we are feeling like the best version of ourselves, both physically and mentally, these positive attributes won’t shine as brightly as they should.

That is why top performers also stick to a regular program that keeps them physically and mentally well.

Tip: Personal development though books and other learning platforms will grow your skillset, confidence, and character. We should always be “working on ourselves”.

4. Conviction of our actions

To reach the top of any industry we must truly believe in what we do and why we do it because people can smell BS a mile away.

If you are not practising what you are preaching, it can become your undoing very quickly.

But when you have a solid foundation that prioritises your own health, wellness and happiness, the resultant positivity of your actions will be shining brightly for everyone to see.

Tip: Find purpose in what you do and be proud of it. Highlight the good parts of your days and enjoy them inside and out!

5. Likeability 

Like it or not, likeability is important when it comes to success.

Human nature dictates that people buy from people they like which means it’s pretty difficult to be likeable if you don’t actually like yourself.

When you are prioritising your own physical and mental health, the flow-on effect is that you will also like yourself and that positive state of mind will radiate out to your team and to your clients. 

Tip: Always remember that attitudes are contagious. Make sure yours is worth catching.

6. People and opportunity 

In order to be successful, you must attract success in the first place.

Even in this modern world of tech and virtual realities, it’s through people and opportunity that you will ultimately find success. 

The saying “like attracts like” is very relevant when it comes to people and opportunity in my experience.

Just think of the people you have met in your life and your career that seem to have an energy and warmth about them that is shining on you for a time?

These are the people who have put in the work to create a healthy mind and body and are reaping the rewards of opportunity for their diligence and self-care.

Tip: Simply think of the person or people who inspire you most and consider the behaviours, actions, and attitudes they would display daily and start to do the same yourself. Become the person and the rest will come.

As you can see from all of the above success tips, a healthy body and mind is the foundation from which all top performers operate.

It is the very basis of career success, which means you must invest in it, prioritise it, and commit to it if you wish to achieve the same for yourself. 

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Steve Nottle

Steve Nottle is the People and Performance Manager at Image Property.