Self-Care OPPORTUNITY Zone
Your Zone Summary
Your quiz responses placed you in the Self-care OPPORTUNITY Zone. According to your answers, there are many areas where you are doing well. However, there are some opportunities for you to strengthen your self-care habits across four categories: Physical Wellbeing, Emotional Wellbeing, Life Balance and Mindset. You will benefit from adjusting your focus and some added effort. Paying more detailed attention to your self-care will support those you are leading as well and likely inspire them to increase their own self-care awareness.
Be sure to check out the Suggested Next Steps below and the downloadable resource to create a tangible action plan!
Importance of Leader Self-care
While the benefits of self-care have become mainstream and well known; self-care practices continue to be a low priority for many of today’s leaders. Frequent excuses that we've heard for avoiding self-care include: lack of time, it's "fluffy" or "too out there", or it's not for "serious" leaders.
Are these excuses accurate? Should a "serious leader" avoid self-care for "lack of time"?
At the Talent Magnet Institute, we believe the answer is a resounding - no!
If a leader is not placing significant value on caring for their own physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual well-being, then the likelihood of their leadership skills being as effective as they aspire to, is small. Leader Self-care is not selfish, nor is it a sign of weakness. It is in fact, the opposite; a willingness to prioritize Self-Care as a leader marks maturity and a drive for excellence.
Physical
- Go to bed on time and get at least 6-8 hours of sleep?
- Participate in physical activity/exercise at least 30 minutes a day 3 or 4 times a week?
- The greater percentage of your meals are nutritious and your snacks are healthy?
- Keep up with routine medical care (doctor appointments, medications, etc.)?
- Avoid “screen time” 30-60 minutes before bedtime?
- Limit excess alcohol consumption to 2 or less alcoholic drinks per day?
- Limit caffeine intake to 2 or less caffeinated drinks per day?
Emotional
- Spend time alone each day for mediation, prayer, self-reflection or reading?
- Regularly find time to give back to your surrounding community (e.g. church, civic organizations, philanthropic endeavors)?
- Regularly make time for reading or watching a movie/tv show that you really enjoy?
- Make time to connect with family and/or friends on a regular basis?
- Tap into a support network when needed and avoid feelings of isolation?
- Maintain feelings of emotional connection to your spouse/partner/significant other/best friend, etc?
- Share openly feelings of frustration, stress, worry or anxiety with someone you trust?
Balance
- Set boundaries for the start and stop of the work day when working from home?
- Use a consistent dedicated space that minimizes as many distractions as possible when working from home?
- Set clear goals and priorities for work and outside of work?
- Avoid checking email first thing in the morning and last thing at night?
- Get up on time in the morning and have a consistent routine to start the day - regardless of whether you are working in the office or at home?
- Allow yourself to take a break from work several times a day?
- Remain fully present (not checking email, texts, social media, etc.) when spending time with family and friends?
Mindset
- Maintain a positive mindset even during stressful or uncertain times?
- Find ways to express gratitude on a daily basis?
- Practice positive self-talk or affirmations on a regular basis
- Feel hopeful about the future
- Stay aware and defend yourself from excessive amounts negative media consumption?
- Surround yourself with people who are generally positive and happy?
- Laugh easily and like to find the humor in situations?
Suggested Next Steps
- Review each of the practices in the four categories and reflect on your answers.
- Make note of 5 specific areas where some focused effort could have significant impact on your self care.
- Write down the category where you believe you are currently doing the best.
- Write down the category where you believe you have the biggest need for improvement.
- Download and complete the Self-care Action Plan.
- Share your plan with someone you trust who will support your self-care improvements!
Become A Talent Magnet
Your Leadership Journey does not have to be lonely!
One of our founding core beliefs at The Talent Magnet Institute is this: the definition of "success” for leadership should and can be redefined. Success in leadership should be viewed as much more holistic than most people consider. The Talent Magnet Community knows that in order to lead others successfully, they must first practice self-care by leading their own self well. Our online membership and consulting opportunities are based on this belief. Click the button below to learn more about the Talent Magnet Institute and our exclusive offerings.
