Looking Inward

Two weeks ago, I delivered a keynote presentation in San Francisco on the topics of impact of self-care on leadership, stress and worry principles, and how to help your team succeed. Practicing self-care as a professional is crucial because it helps maintain your mental and physical well-being, allowing you to perform at your best in your career by reducing stress, increasing focus, improving decision-making abilities, and preventing burnout – ultimately leading to better job satisfaction and productivity.

Curious on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, how would you rate your leadership? Self-care routine? How you deal with stress and worry? How you help your team succeed?

My AHA for this new program happened when I was attending a church service several weeks ago and the pastor was talking about the importance of serving others. The third time he mentioned it, I thought to myself, “Dude, I’ve been putting other people first my entire life and it’s about killed me.” Kids, ph2s (previous husband one and two), work, volunteering, helping my friends, and extended family …

A week later I watched a speech from Simon Sinek on YouTube that drove home the importance of making yourself a priority in 2025, not from a selfish perspective, but from the perspective of the better you are, the better you lead and the better you are for your team.

Here are some highlights of the research for the presentation to help identify areas you are doing well and areas you may want to focus on for improvement.

KEY STRATEGIES TO PRIORITIZE YOURSELF:

• Set boundaries: Clearly define what you are comfortable with and learn to say no when necessary to protect your time and energy.
• Schedule self-care time: Block out specific moments in your calendar dedicated to activities that nourish you, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings in the present moment to better understand your needs.
• Prioritize your physical health: Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and engage in regular physical activity.
• Take care of your mental health: Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice gratitude, and seek support when needed.
• Be kind to yourself: Accept your limitations, celebrate your accomplishments, and practice positive self-talk.
• Learn to say no: Don’t feel obligated to take on more than you can handle.
• Identify your needs: Understand what truly makes you feel fulfilled and prioritize those things.

KEY REASONS WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT FOR PROFESSIONALS:

• Reduced stress and burnout: High-pressure work environments can lead to significant stress, and self-care practices like exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help manage these stressors and prevent burnout.
• Enhanced focus and concentration: When well-rested and mentally balanced, professionals can better focus on tasks and make sound decisions.
• Improved emotional resilience: Self-care practices can help individuals better cope with challenging situations and difficult clients/customers.
• Increased productivity: By taking care of their physical and mental health, professionals can maintain energy levels and be more productive throughout the workday.
• Positive professional image: Taking care of oneself often translates to a more confident and composed demeanor at work, which can positively impact professional relationships.

KEY WAYS MANAGERS CAN SUPPORT EMPLOYEE SUCCESS:

• Clear communication: Clearly explain goals, expectations, and responsibilities, and ensure employees understand their role within the team.
• Regular feedback: Provide timely and constructive feedback, both positive and negative, to help employees identify areas for improvement.
• Career development: Encourage employees to identify their career goals and provide opportunities for training, mentorship, and skill development.
• Empowerment: Give employees autonomy to make decisions within their roles and trust them to manage their work effectively.
• Recognition and appreciation: Acknowledge and celebrate employee achievements, both big and small, to boost morale and motivation.
• Supportive work environment: Foster a positive and inclusive team culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.
• Goal setting: Collaborate with employees to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and track progress.
• Work-life balance: Promote healthy work-life boundaries and encourage employees to take breaks when needed.
• Addressing concerns: Be approachable and actively listen to employee concerns, providing support and solutions when necessary.
• Mentorship programs: Pair new or developing employees with experienced colleagues to provide guidance and support.

I re-recorded this program last week to post on my YouTube channel to help people make 2025 their best year ever! Learn your strengths, grow personally and professionally, and enhance your leadership skills. You got this!

Merikay Hunt is founder and president of Coach MKay Companies, a locally based organization dedicated to unlock leadership potential through discovering purpose, aligning people, evaluating process, and improving communication. She works with executive coaching, professional development, and keynote speaking. coachmkay.com

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