The Green Sheet Online Edition

March 25, 2019 • Issue 19:03:02

Inspiration

Time for you

We're approaching the end of 2019's first quarter. You've probably been on the go, taking action steps toward your goals. You attend meetings, update your calendar and to-do list, send and receive e-mail messages, mentor up-and-coming team members, make sure you have the right marketing resources, and more. On the street, you do presentations, get contracts signed, make cold calls, take care of POS system installations and troubleshooting, and more.

Later, you've got networking events and volunteer work in the community. Hopefully, you spend time with family and friends, too.

As a payments professional, your job demands that you focus on other people's needs. That leaves little time for you. Why is this a problem? Because you can't be at your best unless you take care of yourself. Plus, it's hard to truly enjoy life if you neglect very real needs of your own.

Time for reflection

Take a minute to consider these questions:

• Do you sleep well at night and wake up rested in the morning?
• Are you able to work exercise into your routine?
• How many hours per day do you spend driving in your car?
• Do you include whole grains, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables in your diet?
• Do you pursue interests outside of work that fulfill you?
• Are you addicted to caffeine or cigarettes?
• How many hours per day do you spend at a computer?
• When was the last time you laughed from deep down in your belly?

Time to take charge

If you're like most people, you're probably pleased with some of your answers and a bit disappointed with others. You might be confused, too. After all, experts disagree on many of the finer points of health maintenance.

Not to worry. The most important thing is to pick an area in which you'd like to improve your self-care, and take the first step.

If you're consuming too much coffee at work, for example, acquaint yourself with herbal teas. It's likely you'll find a few that you can substitute for at least some of your java consumption. If you snack on chips, try substituting celery with peanut butter or unbuttered popcorn.

If you want to exercise more, here are some ideas suggested by Hubspot blogger Lindsay Kolowitch at https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/exercise-at-work:

• If you live close enough to your office, speed walk, jog or cycle to work instead of driving or using public transportation.
• Work out during your lunch break. Joining a gym and taking a brisk walk are two possibilities.
• Sit on a stability ball instead of a chair at your desk. This provides a low-intensity abdominal workout.
• Take the long way if time allows: This could mean taking stairs instead of an elevator or parking a few blocks from your destination instead of right in front.

As in sales, persistence is essential. If you don't give up, you'll find something that works. So begin. You'll be happier, healthier and more productive. Your portfolio will grow. Then you can delegate, so you can enjoy vacation strolls in new locations that inspire you.

The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.

Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact names or information may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.