On the surface, not a heck of a lot.
However, what if you approached your business like a yoga class? That is my question to you today.
Let me explain.
This morning in my Bikram (Hot) Yoga class, I got to thinking about business. In Bikram Yoga, there are 26 carefully selected poses that consecutively focus on different muscles, organs and systems within your body, sandwiched between intentional breathing exercises. The class is meticulously constructed to allow the body the complete optimal benefits of each pose/position. The instructor is careful to lead you through each position and educate the class why and what is benefiting from the actions you are taking. He articulates the importance of focus on the specific body part being used and the idea of letting all other energy from the rest of your body hone in on that body part in order to get the full benefit of the position. In between each pose is a “Savasana,” or “Corpse Pose” which allows for a resting period to bring your body back to a homeostatic feeling and gear you up for your next intense pose.
“Maximum exertion, to total relaxation. In order to reap the full rewards of your hard work in each position.” – Says the physically fit and calm-toned Yoga Instructor.
What does this have to do with business? You ask.
Well, if you take the principles from the disciplines of Bikram Yoga and apply them to your business, your business will start to function like a whole and healthy yogi (a toned, strong, cohesive unit reaping full benefits while gaining maximum energy and momentum = higher profit and more success). Let’s say you broke down the facets of your business and looked at them like the human body, you could literally compartmentalize your entire business. Look at the sum of the parts from your core product/service as the heart of your business, marketing as your outer physique, business development as your muscles, internal operations and your organs, accounting, and so forth. Then, look at yourself as the oxygen that fuels the business.
Now…structure your week as you would a yoga class. Break down all of the areas of your business and work through them for a 2-4 hour time slots at one time (no more) …think = MAXIMUM EXERTION in that area of your business. Then, put it all away, close up the project for another day and take a rest…think = TOTAL RELAXATION. And then move on to the next sector of your business. When you are working on that project, give it your ALL. No matter if it is the “pose” or area of business you like the most or the least, think of it as ABSOLUTELY necessary that it gets all of your energy and resources for the time being (especially if YOU are your business).
Slowly, move through all of the areas of your business doing the same methodical practice…..a 2-4 hour chunk of time devoted entirely to that one task, MAXIMUM EXERTION of time/energy/resources to TOTAL RELAXATION. Total relaxation has to be a complete switch off of your brain power….take a coffee break, read a magazine, go to lunch with a friend, take a bike ride…you get the point.
Now, the first and last steps to Bikram Hot Yoga are breathing exercises. These are VITAL to your success in the class, as well as after the class because these exercises clear your body of toxins and oxidize your cells with new and fresh air, nutrients and energy. This is the SELF CARE aspect of your business. In any career and position, if you are not taking COMPLETE care of yourself FIRST and LAST to any other priority, you simply cannot be giving the job, task, project, etc, you’re ALL. I want you to SCHEDULE IN “Self Care.” This is an activity that is done JUST FOR YOU and no one else…could range from taking an uninterrupted candle lit bath, to taking a dance class, or scheduling a guitar lesson. This activity is anything that will fulfill your personal and unique desire and/or passion and recharge your energy.
You get the point. Some of us in our busy schedules between work, extracurricular, errands, exercise, family, and friends, significant others and responsibilities, forget to schedule the most important “ME” time. The time that will keep you healthy and happy and moving forward to your success in order to devote all of the time and energy to your other responsibilities.
Your challenge:
Schedule some “ME” time everyday this week. I’m talking guilt-free, judgment-free YOU time. I want you to write in your planner, schedule it in Outlook, and write in on your chalkboard, at the top of your shopping list, whatever it is. And…TAKE IT, RELAX and ENJOY!
NAMASTE!
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