There’s no going back…or is there?
How Travel, Connection and the Occasional Chocolate Bar Helps You Perform at Your Best
In this issue: There’s no going back…or is there? / Short Naps Improve Memory, Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress and Promote Heart Health / To Be Happy, Marriage Matters More Than Career /The Lighter Side of Doing Your Best
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Whether it’s the first time, or if it’s just been a while, let’s connect and get to know each other (better) as humans.
1. If we’re not connected yet, connect with me on LinkedIn. I post some useful stuff there, as well :); and/or
2. Put 30 minutes on my calendar to chat. No strings attached, whatsoever.
Of course, if there’s something I can help you with, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
I look forward to connecting!
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There’s no going back…or is there?
How Travel, Connection and the Occasional Chocolate Bar Helps You Perform at Your Best
Greetings from Geneva!
Yes, I’m writing this while staring at the Swiss mountains and some equally beautiful lakeside views.
As I wrote in my previous post, coming here was a very intentional decision.
Why, might you ask?
Well, apart from a deep-seated need (problem?) to indulge in Swiss chocolates and to try to speak French without completely embarrassing myself, I had an epiphany.
I'm here because, to truly be at my best, I need to be around people who I care about.
And no, this isn’t just based on yet another sleepless night’s “great” idea; it's based on legitimate science, strong social connections, and a greater purpose in life can help lower stress, and improve wellbeing.
I’ve already started to experience it.
My usually elusive good night's sleep is back (which hopefully won’t impede any future brilliant ideas for last-minute trips :).
I don't know if it was the jet lag, the Swiss magic, or the power of the chocolate, but I've been sleeping more here than I have in years.
Now, to circle back to the real world and dare I say it, work. Greater well-being isn’t just good for Swiss lake-gazing but can also help with managing the 9-to-5 grind.
It’s really quite simple, when we feel better, we work better…
Bottom line? Prioritizing ourselves, setting boundaries, and sometimes, just responding to the call of an adventure, doesn't just recharge us, it can supercharge us (think Jim Loehr and The Power of Full Engagement).
So, whether you want to conquer deadlines, boardrooms, or just make it through your next Zoom call, remember – it’s okay to occasionally chase sunsets, social connections, and perhaps, the occasional bar of chocolate.
But, before I say “à bientôt” (I'm trying, okay?), the important question is how can you integrate this for greater life/career success and fulfillment?
Remember, finding that balance between your well-being, relationships, and bringing your A-game to work isn’t just about the visuals (Swiss mountain Instagram post to follow), it’s about how it makes you feel and your ability to bring your best to each moment.
Here are a few actions you can take, without the jetlag to help you do just that:
1. Do a Personal Audit: Periodically evaluate what genuinely gives you joy. Is it time spent with pals, an adrenaline-pumping hobby, or perhaps, an immersive trip? Put it on the top of your to-do list.
2. Calendar the Magic: Don’t just mentally commit; block out time for you! Even if it's just 15 minutes of uninterrupted "me time" amidst Zoom calls.
3. Digital Sabbath: Modern life’s a tech-driven whirlwind. Occasionally, disconnect. No emails, no Twitter; just you and the present moment.
4. Growth Alert: Invest in continual learning, not just for work, but for personal growth. It could be a language class, pottery, or even advanced meme creation.
5. Ask for It: In our professional world it’s easy to forget or negate your well-being. Sometimes you have to ask for it. Encourage breaks, flexible hours, or even spontaneous moments of fun during breaks!
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
Short Naps Improve Memory, Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress and Promote Heart Health
Here’s to the benefits of napping…the title says it all!
To Be Happy, Marriage Matters More Than Career
From the great David Brooks, studies reveal that those in happy marriages enjoy the highest life satisfaction.
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The Lighter Side of Doing Your Best
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!
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