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The overlooked habit top-performing leaders use to protect their health, sharpen their focus, and lead with impact.

“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices.”

– Betsy Jacobson, Business Consultant

Helping Leaders have the ability to 'switch off' is an aspect of my coaching practice that is very close to my heart. Not only have I witnessed the negative impact the constant 'on-switch' has on people lives, I have experienced it first hand. One moment I was flying high, the next I was hard-hit with a tough, completely unexpected health warning that I was mentally and physically overloaded. One that landed me flat on my backside and made me stay there until I recovered. It was a shock to me and everyone who knew me. And this is why I am passionate about helping people in leadership roles create a strong awareness around who they are, what's going on for them and to recognise the lurking warning signs.

Optimised Business Performance

Great leadership is more effective when you're personally positioned for optimal performance on the job, and to do that, whether you're a leader of your own business or a leader within a business, switching off from work after hours is a skill that essential for good health and productivity in all areas of your life.

In business, this translates to a more positive, productive energy when it counts. Too many leaders become stressed, burnt out and overwhelmed because they haven't adopted this mindset, feeling they have to be thinking about the business every moment of the day and night — but, this is where the effects of an overworked, stressed mind start to impact life and workplace quality.

✅I have seen the ripple effect when people who lead learn this important skillset, so they can be fully present within themselves and for their family and friends, therefore totally switched on when back to business. The impact this has on lives, businesses and the workplace environment is incomparable.

➡️Here are just some of the benefits of switching off and leaving business thoughts at the business.

• Improved work/life balance

• Better quality of relationships at home and in general

• Brain break! Allows your brain to take a break from the business intensity

• Increases creativity and inspiration

• Improved sleep, reduced anxiety and increased productivity

• Reduced burnout and absenteeism

• Be fully present wherever you are, in all aspects of your life

• Creates space for more happiness, fulfillment and success, both personally and professionally

TRY THIS MINDSET REFRAME:

Before you leave the business at the end of each day ....

Make the conscious decision to leave your thoughts of business and work in the business. If there is something pressing on your mind, decide whether it can be fixed now, or if it has to wait until you return to business. Often, the things that cause stress and mental overload are due to problems being constantly churned over in our mind when there is no real solution to the problem until we're back to the drawing board.

• Ask yourself, is it essential, helpful and productive to be constantly working through this in your mind? (Most times, the answer is no)

• So make the fully aware and conscious decision to leave these 'problems' thoughts behind until your return.

• Make any notes you need to make and if necessary, write down a quick plan for action when you get back.

• Leave the note on your desk, knowing that it is there for when you get back to the office. It's not going anywhere, and it now allows you permission to leave it behind so you are free to be fully present in the other important areas of your life.

• Make the conscious, clear decision that this problem/unfinished tasks etc, are safe to wait until you return to business.

• Close the business door, take a deep breath and step out into your personal freedom and more fufilled relationships.

This is just one way to support you to becoming more mindful in every area of your life, business and career. If you'd like to improve your stress management and productivity strategy, contact me and let's see how I can help you too.

KDLCoaching helps business leaders build insight, confidence, and capability — from the inside out.

About the Author

I’m Karen Davey, founder of KDL Coaching – Leadership & Workplace Solutions. I help leaders develop confidence, resilience, build advanced communication skills and a strong awareness of human behaviours, so they will enjoy an enhanced Leaderhip experience and are strongly positioned to build positive workplace cultures. My coaching integrates personal growth with professional leadership skills, ensuring leaders feel empowered, capable, and fulfilled in their roles.

If you're ready to step into authentic leadership with clarity and confidence, head on over to KDLCoaching and let's connect!

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