Leadership, stress, and the hidden health costs of power.
Although I am a guest on many Podcasts, one today really struck me. It’s called Eavesdropping with Spencer Wise. We discussed a number of topics, yet one he asked about repeatedly, and I will return at his request to discuss it more, is the fact that your physical symptoms are not random – they are byproducts of vulnerabilities in your personality and your leadership style.
Illness is not random. It isn’t even defined solely by genetics. Genetic predisposition doesn’t need to be actualized and often isn’t. Science knows that the immune system is greatly impacted by stress more than anything else. Our bodies are meant to heal themselves. When they can’t, we need to look at what’s happening in our life and lifestyle and how we are dealing with it. What high stresses may be impacting and weakening our immunity and/or our ability to heal.
An extreme example: Two men were downsized in the same sweep. Both were in their late 50’s and shocked after decades of loyalty. One man was greatly relieved since he was more than ready to retire and change his lifestyle. They “tightened their belts” and he got a job at Lowes which he loved. His sex drive increased while his blood pressure and cholesterol decreased.
The second was enraged at the betrayal, never applied for another job since he was convinced no one would hire him at his age. He soon developed a prostate disorder. Not long after his wife was forced to go back to work, he developed prostate cancer and a drinking problem. Two completely different personalities, two dramatically different ways of dealing with stressors.
Their health results were not coincidental or accidental. Every style carries strengths and stress patterns. They can be changed, and we can all grow in emotional intelligence, but only if we choose. The price is high if we don’t. Wisdom is a choice. One I pray we all make.
Yes, we are all human. We have all had illness in our lives. Welcome to humanity. The extent of the illnesses, the frequency and how we deal with it all, is far more in our hands than we realize. Illness often reflects misused energy or ignored intuition. The power of mindfulness, reflection, or meditation supports us in the needed self-awareness creating peace and health on all levels. Not always perfect health but a far greater sense of health, healing, and joy.
Healing, when needed, isn’t a sign of weakness – it may even be a part of your leadership evolution. The power to heal is as important as the power to lead. Clearing out old toxins or realizing the need for a reevaluation of our values and lifestyle, may be a blessing in disguise given to us through an illness. More than once a client has told me of the gifts they received within an illness, even one they dreaded. Minimizing them, and learning easily is not always possible, nonetheless, this is a journey of learning and self-awareness.
Understanding and learning takes place in many ways. Try my free Leadership Self-Assessment Tool to see what you need to learn to minimize your stress, thus strengthening your immune system, and leading with joy rather than stress or frustration.
Reflection Prompt: “What is my body asking for that my schedule keeps refusing?”
