Practicing Extreme Self-Care

When first studying to become an executive coach, I was curious to hear what leaders in the field were talking about, encouraging, even hawking. The area that rang true for me was the idea of practicing extreme self-care. Simply stated, it is the belief you can’t help others if you aren’t or haven’t taken care of yourself.

Transfer the idea into the workplace and put it in the hands of leaders like you. Are you taking extreme self-care of yourself? What would be the goals and measurements of this practice? What would be the long and short-term benefits?

If you were interested in achieving extreme self-care, what would you do?

As with any shifting and new goal setting, there must be a motivating factor. Would extreme self-care bring you better health, give you more time, make you happier, help you accumulate more money, enhance your relationship with family members, colleagues, and/or staff?

You get the picture — what is in it for you and in turn for others?

The best deep dive I know is a simple 100 question checklist called Clean Sweep. To see the original, which is a bit dated but still the best around, go to the Clean Sweep Program. Here’s how it works — read each question. Give yourself a point if it is a behavior or mindset you have addressed. For example, “My files, documents, and receipts are neatly filed away” or “Turned my ideas into revenue streams.” Your total score gives you a sense of where you stand now. Since the questions are divided into specific areas, the total for each section shows you “Relationships” are in better shape than your “Health and Emotional Balance.” The questions in this instrument primarily focus on your home life but can easily be adapted to the workplace. I would encourage you to start in the home sphere and then shift into work. When home is dysfunctional everything is affected.

Taking the assessment gives you a baseline, a starting point. Seeing the sample results might encourage you to create your own survey (or start with what I have listed below). Designing one would make a great team project and an interesting way of surveying members of your staff. To better understand the power of having things in place, updated, and consistent, take a look at an article I wrote titled, “Increase Effectiveness with Checklists.” It demonstrates the benefits of using checklists everywhere, from the operating room, to cockpits, to the average family home, and how checklists help avoid risks, by looking at important processes and developing methods to make sure steps are always taken in order and by priority.

Here are some important areas and corresponding behaviors to getting closer to extreme self-care.

Your Physical Health: You eat healthy food, are at optimum weight, exercise regularly, you know your genetic medical risks. You see medical professions for good health not just to address sickness or injuries. You trust and respect your medical professional.

Your Mental Health: Your stress is under control; you sleep well and enough daily. You address any current or former mental health issues. You monitor your state of mind and do something about troubling thoughts or unreasonable negativity or anxiety. You see mental health as important as your physical health. You know a mental health professional you could contact if needed.

Your Home: Your home reflects you, and you enjoy the space and your possessions. You see this as a form of extreme self-care. Clutter is not a part of your life and cleanliness and safe surroundings are the norm. You have separated workspace from your other living space. Few electronics occupy your bedroom. There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place, so you never spend time looking for items and can easily return clothing, toys, and other things back into their designated homes. You no longer own clothing, furniture, recreation equipment, books, etc., you don’t like or no longer use. You enjoy coming home.

Your Money and Other Assets: Your relationship with money is mature, focused, and consistent. You pay yourself first into a saving and investing plan before spending on non-essential activities and things. You have a budget with a rainy-day element and stick to it. You have a long-term strategy for housing, self-improvement, and retirement. Giving to others is an intricate part of your life plan. You are educated and current about economics, investing, and taxes. You teach your children about spending and saving money. You have a will. An accountant and/or financial advisor is part of your extreme self-care team. You see money as a means not something to tackle or avoid.

Your Relationships: You cherish family and friends, have told them, and made people an important part of your life. You strive to expand your circle of friends. You want and work toward a broader group of people in your life, bringing in others who may be different than you. You rid yourself of toxic people. You work to get along with everyone. You have appropriate levels of friendship with co-workers, your staff, and boss. As a leader, you put people first. You forgive. You strive to understand, not criticize. Your boundaries with others are clear to you and them. Listening is an important part of how you communicate.

Your Career: Your work is an important part of who you are and what you do, but not all of it. When things shift, you make solid decisions to either go or stay with a particular company, boss, or sector. Your focus is on career not just the job. You’re constantly learning more about what you do. You have an up-to-date resume, LinkedIn profile, and bio. You know your worth in the open market. You are in regular contact with headhunters. You stay in touch with former supervisors, colleagues, and direct reports. You help others in their job searches or during challenging times and contact them when you are in such situations. You have an escape plan should things change rapidly. You have a one-year, five-year, and a longer career plan. You remain open to change and opportunities.

Extreme self-care is a way of life. Initially it might seem burdensome as you address issues, opportunities, and contradictions. Once these are diminished, the luxury of a life well lived becomes evident. It enhances your health, relationships, career, as well as your relationship with money and the future. It gives those who know or work with you a sense of balance and consistency because they are aware you take care of yourself and will do the same for them.