Who does a CEO turn to when the BUSINESS (of life) FAILS ?
Balancing the weight of the world: The struggle of balancing power and personal life as a CEO
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With great power comes great responsibility, and this responsibility often takes a toll on a CEO’s personal life.
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CEOs often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders
CEOs often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, especially when their personal lives become challenging.
Health problems.
Financial troubles.
Relationship issues.
Burnout.
These are just some of the many issues that can leave a CEO feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. It's easy for a CEO to become so consumed with the day-to-day demands of running a business that they neglect their personal well-being, but the consequences of doing so can be severe.
One of the biggest challenges a CEO may face is burnout. The constant demands of running a business can leave a CEO feeling drained and exhausted. When a CEO is burned out, their productivity suffers, and they may struggle to make good decisions or lead their teams effectively. Burnout can also have serious consequences for a CEO's health, both physical and mental.
Another challenge that CEOs may face is a lack of fulfillment. Despite their success in the business world, a CEO may feel unfulfilled in other areas of their life. They may feel disconnected from their family or struggle to find purpose outside of work. “This lack of fulfillment can lead to feelings of emptiness or depression, even if the CEO is achieving great success in their professional life.”
“This lack of fulfillment can lead to feelings of emptiness or depression, even if the CEO is achieving great success in their professional life.”
In 2019, our company had its best year yet, but I felt like something was missing. Even though I had nothing to complain about, I felt like I was living on autopilot, repeating the same routine every day. I tried so many things to fill the void: volunteering in EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization), traveling, creating passion projects, dabbling in new things, taking workshops, and following meditation masters all over India, Nepal, Bali. I went back to school to take an Entrepreneurs Masters Program in MIT. I even journaled, read books, and made vision boards, but something was still not coming together.
“The feeling of emptiness and restlessness was a constant source of pain and discomfort for me.”
Eventually, I realized that I needed to revisit my purpose. My purpose has always been "to help people find their true path so they can create impact in the world," but I felt like I was already living it every day with my employees, who were mostly in their early 20s. I started to feel restless and frustrated, wanting to express myself in areas outside of my main job as CEO of my company. I even considered selling my company to my biggest competitor but felt like I would be betraying my employees if I did so. I wished I had a mentor to help me create a path for my next step but it had to be a mentor who resonated with my issues and challenges at that point. I did not know what I did not know.
“I wished I had a mentor to help me create a path for my next step.”
The feeling of emptiness and restlessness was a constant source of pain and discomfort for me. It was as if I was going through the motions of life without truly feeling alive. The guilt of not being grateful enough for my success only added to my frustration. I felt like I was stuck in a rut, unable to break free and pursue my passions. The thought of continuing on this path for years to come was unbearable, and I knew that something had to change.
When the business of life fails, who does a CEO turn to?
The answer is not as simple as one might think.
CEOs are often portrayed as superheroes, capable of handling any challenge that comes their way.
They are expected to be strong, decisive, and in control at all times, but the reality is that CEOs are human too. They too face personal challenges and struggles, and they too need support and guidance from time to time.
A CEO can turn to family and friends for support. It's important for a CEO to have a strong support system outside of work. Family and friends can provide emotional support, offer a listening ear, and help a CEO stay grounded and connected to what's important in life.
A mentor or coach can provide the CEO with an outside perspective and offer guidance on how to navigate the challenges they are facing. They can also provide emotional support, which is essential for a CEO who is dealing with burnout, fear of failure, or lacking fulfillment.
Another person a CEO can turn to is a therapist or counselor. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and a CEO who is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may benefit from talking to a professional. Therapy can help a CEO manage stress, cope with challenges, and improve their overall well-being.
Managing the challenges of life
The key to managing the challenges of life as a CEO is to prioritize self-care. A CEO who takes care of themselves is better equipped to handle the challenges of running a business. Self-care can take many forms, from exercise and healthy eating to meditation and relaxation techniques. Whatever form it takes, self-care is essential for a CEO's well-being. If you are the captain of the ship, you just need to make time. No excuses.
As the head of a company, a CEO is confronted with many obstacles and obstacles both in their professional and personal lives. However, it's essential for a CEO to recognize the value of self-care and seek out support from mentors, coaches, therapists, family, and friends when the challenges of life become overwhelming. By prioritizing their well-being and reaching out for help, CEOs can better manage the challenges they face and continue to guide their businesses towards long-term success.
“Reach out for help. A CEO WHO TAKES CARE OF THEMSELVES IS BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THE CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A BUSINESS.”
Why CEOs Resist Seeking Help and Waste Time Before Getting a Coach: Understanding the Barriers to Personal Development
CEOs are often expected to be self-assured and confident in their decision-making, which can make it difficult for them to seek help when they need it. This resistance to seeking support can stem from concerns about admitting weakness or vulnerability, worries about the cost or time commitment of working with a coach or mentor, or a belief that they should be able to handle everything on their own. As a result, CEOs may waste time trying to solve problems or improve their leadership skills on their own, which can lead to missed opportunities and slower progress towards their goals. Understanding the barriers to seeking help and the benefits of working with a coach or mentor can help CEOs overcome these obstacles and accelerate their personal development.
The three stages that some CEOs might go through before deciding to see a coach or mentor:
Awareness of the need for development: The first stage is recognizing the need for self-improvement. This realization could stem from feedback they receive from others or their own reflection on areas they need to work on.
Acceptance of the need for support: Once a CEO becomes aware of their need for development, the next stage is accepting that they can benefit from external support. This might involve overcoming any resistance to seeking help, such as concerns about admitting weakness or vulnerability, or worries about the cost or time commitment of working with a coach or mentor.
Action to find the right coach or mentor: Finally, a CEO needs to take action to find the right coach or mentor to work with. This might involve researching different options, talking to colleagues or peers for recommendations, or using a professional network or industry association to connect with someone with the right skills and experience. The CEO also needs to be willing to commit to the coaching or mentoring process and to put in the necessary time and effort to see results.
If you're a CEO feeling stuck, burnt out, or lacking passion in your professional and personal life, don't hesitate to reach out to me at Vitamin CEO. As a business coach, mentor, and professional counselor, I specialize in helping CEOs reignite their passion for business and life. Together, we can work towards creating a personalized plan that addresses your unique challenges and helps you achieve your goals. Let's schedule a call and explore how I can help you overcome obstacles and lead your company and your life towards even greater success, happiness, and fulfillment.
I ask you to become the CEO of your most important business, your life.
This will be one of the most gratifying and satisfying projects you can do for your Self today.
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They are expected to be strong, decisive, and in control at all times, but the reality is that CEOs are human too. They too face personal challenges and struggles, and they too need support and guidance from time to time.
”
Drop me a note if you want to chat more. I can’t wait to hear your story and help you create a new one.
Chat with me!