Ethan was a young and ambitious man living in the bustling city of Successville.

In his 30s and 40s, Ethan had a burning desire to climb the corporate ladder and achieve great success.

Day and night, he toiled away, sacrificing sleep, exercise, and personal relationships to chase his dreams.

He missed family dinners, traveled on the weekends, and became disconnected with his wife and children.

His sole focus was on his career, ignoring the warning signs his body was trying to send him.

As the years went by, Ethan rose through the ranks, earning promotions and accolades; however, a heavy toll was being exacted on his health and his family.

Neglecting his physical and mental wellbeing, he became a victim of stress, sleep deprivation, and poor eating habits. His energy waned, and his once vibrant spirit dulled.

One fateful day in his 50s, as Ethan was presenting a crucial project to the board of directors, his body succumbed to the strain.

He collapsed, gasping for air, in front of the very people he sought to impress.

Rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with severe burnout and a host of other health complications.

While confined to his hospital bed, Ethan was left to reflect on his choices. The success he had strived so hard to achieve now felt hollow and meaningless.

He had neglected the most precious gift of all—his health. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, and he vowed to change his ways.

After a long and arduous recovery, Ethan returned to the corporate world, but with a newfound perspective. He realized that success should not come at the expense of health.

He learned to prioritize self-care, setting boundaries, and fostering a renewed work-life balance. This newfound approach helped him rebuild strained family relationships too.

He encouraged his colleagues to do the same, sharing his cautionary tale.

Years later, in his 60s, Ethan found fulfillment in not only his professional achievements but also in his robust health and meaningful relationships.

He understood that success was not measured solely by titles and wealth but by the harmony of mind, body, and soul.

Ethan's tale serves as a poignant reminder. As you climb the corporate ladder or grow your entrepreneurial endeavours, never forget to prioritize your health.

Success without wellbeing is a precarious path that ultimately leads to emptiness.

Cherish your vitality, nurture your body, and remember that true success is not attained by sacrificing your health but by embracing it as the foundation upon which all other achievements are built. 

In this lesson you'll discover the reasons why exercise should take precedence over a demanding work-life, the numerous benefits it brings, and how adopting this mindset can create a win-win situation for both you and your career.

Why You Must Prioritize Exercise for a Successful Career

Ever notice how work demands often take precedence over personal wellness?

it is crucial to emphasize the significance of exercise and prioritize it alongside a demanding career.

While professional men and women, over the age of 40, tend to invest their time and energy into your work, neglecting exercise can have detrimental effects on both your physical and mental health.

However, by adopting a mindset that places exercise at the forefront, you can unlock countless benefits that not only enhance your personal life but also contribute to your professional success.

Anytime I hear of someone with a personal struggle, my first thought is always:

"I bet they would be able to handle life better if they made exercise a habit."

Maybe it's just walking around the local park.

Even better would be some resistance training and a few hill sprints.

Really, the most unselfish you can do is to take care of yourself first.

Exercise must come first, or it’s unlikely to happen at all.

Now you may be thinking how you're too busy to exercise thanks to work, previous commitments, vacations, and other grownup responsibilities.

You don't need to be perfect. Instead, take imperfect action so you can enjoy these four career-boosting benefits of regular exercise.

1. Physical health and vitality

Maintaining physical health and vitality is the foundation for success in all aspects of life.

A demanding work schedule often entails long hours, stress, and sedentary behavior, which can lead to a host of health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune system.

Regular exercise, on the other hand, provides numerous physical benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, enhanced immune function, and better weight management.

By prioritizing exercise, you can counteract the negative effects of a sedentary work routine and lay the groundwork for a healthy, energetic, and vibrant life.

Added bonus: After a few months at the gym, you'll open pickle jars with the strength of a thousand grandmas.

2. Mental wellbeing and cognitive performance

Exercise has a profound impact on mental wellbeing and cognitive performance.

Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Engaging in regular exercise also promotes better sleep patterns, which are essential for maintaining mental clarity and focus.

Furthermore, physical activity enhances cognitive function, memory, and creativity, enabling you to think more clearly, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively.

By prioritizing exercise, you can cultivate a positive mindset, improve your mental resilience, and enhance your overall cognitive abilities, all of which are invaluable assets in a demanding career.

3. Increased productivity and efficiency 

Contrary to the popular belief that exercise takes away valuable time from work, it actually contributes to increased productivity and efficiency in the long run.

Regular physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, leading to heightened alertness, improved concentration, and enhanced productivity.

Exercise also helps manage stress levels and prevents burnout, allowing you to maintain a high level of focus and engagement.

Moreover, incorporating exercise into daily routines instills discipline, time management skills, and goal-setting habits that spill over into other areas of life, including business operations.

By making exercise a priority, you can optimize performance, accomplish more in less time, and achieve greater success in your career.

4. Stress management and work-life balance

A demanding career often brings significant amounts of stress and pressure, which, if left unchecked, can lead to physical and mental health issues.

Exercise serves as a powerful stress management tool, providing a healthy outlet for releasing tension and promoting relaxation.

Engaging in physical activity, whether through aerobic exercise, strength training, or mindfulness practices such as yoga, allows you to disconnect from work, recharge your batteries, and gain a fresh perspective.

Prioritizing exercise not only enhances work-life balance but also helps you maintain a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction beyond your professional achievements. 

Even a couple of workouts in a month is better than zero workouts per month.

Maybe you'll make one small nutritional habit change this week. These small changes add up and make a big difference.

Don't beat yourself up and don't give up. Instead, keep doing what you can do, and give an honest effort each day.

Feeling paralyzed and, as a result, doing nothing is the worst thing you can do.

Maybe you're feeling frustrated because you tried a "cleanse diet," and saw results for a week or two, maybe a month, and then you gained it all back, plus more.

Making small habit changes is a better approach. It's about slowly chipping away at your problems.

Realize that your journey to getting lean, strong, and happy is a marathon versus a sprint.

My most successful clients fall in love with the process and get a little bit better each day.

It could be that you got one more hour of quality sleep.

It could be that you added did a few more pullups.

Or maybe it's one more serving of vegetables today.

Perhaps it's one more hour spent with your family at dinnertime.

These tiny behavioral changes may not seem like much today; however, over time you'll experience a compounding effect.

Not only do you get better results in the long-term, the results you do get, you actually keep.

Summary:

Incorporating exercise into a demanding career is not a luxury but a necessity. By prioritizing fitness, you can reap a myriad of benefits that positively impact both your personal lives and your business.

The physical health and vitality gained from exercise lay the foundation for overall wellness.

Improved mental wellbeing and cognitive performance enhance productivity, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Exercise also acts as a stress management tool, fostering work-life balance and preventing burnout.

By adopting a mindset that places exercise at the forefront, you create a win-win situation where personal health and professional success go hand in hand. 

Keep going and keep giving it your best.

Pass this lesson along to the folks you care about.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.