My office this week is seaside in Seminyak (Lucky me!). I haven’t been back to Bali in ten years what with a volcano erupting, a pesky pandemic and other life situations occurring, it is now time to enjoy the moment.
I’m not a health professional, my usual topic is personal branding and professional image but how can we express the best version of ourselves if we don’t practice self-care and prioritise our health and wellbeing.Travel was on the backburner and our health and wellness came under the spotlight with Covid-19 and the pandemic of 2020/21. So much so that like me, you no doubt realise that to maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on our purpose we also need to focus on health and wellness.
Personal care has come to the forefront as many of us are overwrought and overwhelmed. Fortunately stress management, wellness centres, motivation and meditation apps are all there for us to tap into. If we need to go to the next step and get professional help, then we must take action. Or it might simply be that some time out on holiday may be just what you need.
It’s also wise to remember that stressors are everywhere and sometimes it is proactive action toward our goals and our purpose that will help us feel better. Knuckle down and do the work but bear in mind that to maintain energy and creativity, you do need to cultivate good habits like quality sleep, regular exercise, healthy diet, rest and taking time off when needed. We all know this. We just need to put it into practise.
A positive mindset and inner presence are two important factors to elevating your personal and professional brand presence. To have impact and influence takes confidence.
Confidence attracts people to you. Confidence is having a strong sense of self image and knowing you are worthy of speaking freely to express your ideas, opinions, and values.
This can be eroded by feelings of self-doubt and not believing in your capabilities. Particularly for women. According to a survey undertaken by networking organisation Business Chicks, 25% of women said that it was women’s own self-esteem (e.g., internalised feelings of self-doubt and lacking confidence to challenge the status quo) that hold them back from reaching their potential. For many we need to tackle the internal, self-limiting beliefs we may be harbouring.
To overcome these barriers to executive presence and to step up and into your potential, takes self-confidence and motivation. The motivation will come from understanding your purpose and why you want to achieve your vision. The confidence will come with learning and building on your strengths.
You have your own set of accomplishments and strengths. Acknowledge those by reminding yourself of past successes of feelings of accomplishment, appreciate the value you bring to others and own your confidence. Easier said than done. However, improved self-esteem will come with recognising each step forward and practise of gratitude, journaling and meditation.
These practises and “mindfulness” have grown in significance in recent years – because they work.
I hope you like me get to enjoy rest and rejuvenation and take time to just reflect, contemplate and prepare for the next few months as we start to wind down and head toward the holiday season and another year. If you would like to keep up to date with my blogs and eNews, click here to subscribe to my list.
Sue Currie is a speaker and the author of IMPRESSario, Present and Promote the Star Within You. She is passionate about helping business executives and entrepreneurial professionals elevate their personal brand, image and professional presence. Sue’s suite of services delivered through workshops, consulting, coaching and keynote presentations provides a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
