It doesn’t matter if you are in inside
or outside sales, the overall stress of being in sales can take a toll on your
health. Over the past decade the topic of wellness has become mainstream in
business. The concept was originally introduced to very large companies in an
effort to manage rising healthcare costs. Once only available if you had hundreds or thousands of employees, wellness programs can now be found in
almost any company of any size. And, with wellness programs comes, well, wellness.
I oftentimes think about the comments my
wife and kids have made when I’ve come home stressed out over losing a deal.
Or, then the opposite occurs and I have success, and they can very easily see
the excitement. These ups & downs, highs & lows can leave me worn out. There have been plenty of sleepless nights over the years. Days where I barely
ate breakfast, skipped lunch, and continued working well into the night all in
an attempt to close a deal.
Several years back I had a slight health
scare, a 1:00 AM ambulance ride to the ER, only to find out what I should have
already known – I was out of shape, eating poorly, overweight, and carrying way
too much stress. Sure I had hobbies and I enjoyed getting outside, but nothing
regimented, more of the every so often type of activities. In talking with my
doctor, a nutritionist, and then a trainer, I was able to put an exercise
routine together along with changes in my daily routine (such as dieting), that
all paid off.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no poster
boy for perfect health, not by a long shot. But, I am in better overall shape
than I’ve been in years. Taking the concept of wellness seriously, working to
manage and reduce the stresses I face in business and as a parent, and making
sure I balance my work and personal time has helped me in more ways that I
could have imagined.
Sales is my career. It is more than a
chosen profession, rather it is a lifestyle. I’ve come to realize that my own
wellness has made me a better salesperson. I have more energy which leads to
confidence. I’ve learned new ways to manage a busy life in and out of the
office. I can get more done with less effort by balancing wellness and time
management. And, I believe I carry myself differently than other sales people
who do not consider wellness an important part in their own lives.
I encourage you to evaluate how you
handle stress. Keep an eye on your overall health as you get older. And, make
wellness a part of your daily life. You will see the results in yourself and in
your sales.