“This truly set me on a path that I’m still on today”
I had a mentor years ago share with me that my mindful practice, focus on seeing the positive, and learning a lesson with each situation was profound for my age (18 at the time). However, he informed me that it would eventually catch up with me if I ever lost the intention behind my actions.
Approximately 20 years later, I found myself at rock bottom emotionally and spiritually. I reflected on the very conversation as if it was yesterday.
Have you ever had the feeling of being lost? Where regardless of what is going on in your life, that there is something missing? In your gut, in your heart, but most importantly in your soul.
For me personally, when I’m spiritually grounded, I’m good! When I’m not, I’m not!
So, what happened?
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Loving my wife and son
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Crushing quota, large commissions, President’s Club, etc.
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Coaching my son’s soccer team
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Annual international vacations
Seemed like I was checking all the boxes, but…
I lost a sense of who I was and I lost the intention behind what I was doing!
I knew this feeling.
Depression, Lack of Confidence, Lack of Vision, Burned Out.
What happened was I was burning the candle on both ends while working very long hours with very little self-love and intentional selfishness regarding things that mattered most to me.
So for those that know me today, or for some time now, will know that I am a workout junkie and have been for years. In 2014, I found myself a stranger of the gym, still smoking and my weight was down to 124 lbs. I was probably eating once a day, if that. When I don’t workout, I lose my appetite, I don’t eat, and I lose muscle mass very easily.
So here I am finding success in my professional life, but losing myself and my identity. Habits became bad habits and my intention and focus were lost.
In the midst of this, my company at the time provided an opportunity for us to relocate from the Bay Area to Atlanta, Georgia.
I am so blessed to have a supportive partner and after some thought, we both felt it was a good time, fit, and place for us.
Self-Love, Self-Reflection & Intentional Focus
Through this process, I took a real long look at myself, what mattered most to me, and what impact I was looking to make. Always obsessed with growth, development, and goals, I went back to my morning gym routine and meditation practice.
I realized that I needed to be more vocal saying “no” and “willing” to put myself first!
This truly set me on a path that I’m still on today.
Similar to a Mutual Action Plan for a software sales opportunity I got really focused on my goals and objectives- starting with the mind, body, and spirit.
So through one of my lowest points, I was able to grab those things out of my toolbox and hit the RESET button!
It’s not about work-life balance, it’s about BALANCE!
One thing that motivational speaker Eric Thomas shared that really resonated with me was that “Anyone can be successful in one area of their life but it’s about being complete in every area of your life.”
So for me personally, I’ve become obsessed with how I can be 100%, in every area of my life, with this newfound awareness and with a clear path on how I can accomplish this. With this most recent chapter of burnout, I put the following plan together:
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3 am workouts
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Daily affirmations
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Daily prayer
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Daily meditation and breathwork exercises
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Reading 2 books monthly
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Journaling daily
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Spending time in nature
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Saying no to others and yes to myself
The thing I realize now much more clearly is that it’s not about my goals, it’s about my process for my goals. So today, my focus is on a “space”, not a place, a state of mind and consciousness- not anything material.
In addition to these basic habits, I became very intentional with the time I spent with my family and have been on a quest to ensure that I’m fully present and aware of “tell tell” signs when they occur.
I am a very private person, generally, but as is often said, “I am learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable” and feel that this topic of self-love and burnout aren’t discussed enough. It’s critical to discuss these topics as we approach a new era where emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-love are becoming much more prevalent and present in the corporate world.
Through this process of self-reflection, I was fortunate to go back to my greatest teachers, mentors, and guides when focusing on my subconscious and my inner-self.
Take the time to reflect on what matters most to you and surround yourself with those that encourage those very pursuits.
My name is Ali and I am UNCrushed.
