As I reflect on recent conversations, I’m inspired to share my thoughts on wellness and the importance of prioritizing ourselves. A colleague recently shared that 17% of professionals say work keeps them up at night. While ambition is important, sacrificing sleep isn’t a badge of honor—it’s dangerous to our health. I responded to that post because I’ve lived it, and I know firsthand how sleep deprivation can affect your well-being and performance.

Another recent exchange highlighted something just as important: family. I rescheduled a meeting to attend my son’s game, and the client jokingly remarked that it was the best reason to miss a meeting. This took me back to early in my career when my son was younger, and I missed his games because I wasn’t allowed to leave work early. It’s a reminder that we’re often torn between our passions and responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing ourselves or our families for success.

In my over 25 years in HR, I’ve learned that to be truly successful, we must first take care of ourselves. This means prioritizing exercise, healthy eating, and meaningful time with loved ones. It’s not about choosing between work and wellness; it’s about harmonizing the two. “Balance” implies a 50-50 split, but life rarely works that way. Instead, we should aim for harmony, where work, self-care, and family complement each other, even if the scales tip more toward work some days. You can still excel at work while prioritizing yourself and your loved ones.

Wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without proper rest and self-care, it’s impossible to give 100% to your work, clients, or personal goals. I’ve learned that balancing ambition with self-care is critical, and it’s a lesson we all need to keep in mind as we pursue our dreams.

If your organization is looking for ways to prioritize wellness while driving success, Nova Dawn HR Consulting Partners is here to help. We specialize in transforming cultures, developing leadership, and improving employee engagement to ensure long-term growth and well-being. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for more information or to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to create a workplace that empowers both people and performance.