For years, I told everyone, “I’m not a runner.” I thought that if I wasn’t good at it—or didn’t look pretty while doing it—then it wasn’t worth my effort. I doubled down and proudly stated, “I wouldn’t run even if a lion was chasing me!” Those lies ran deep and impacted more than my body. Those limiting beliefs created legitimate barriers in my life and leadership capacity. They kept me from my fullest potential.
But everything shifted during a coaching intensive. I was invited to confront the limiting beliefs that had been shaping my life—not just about running, but what I believed I was capable of. That day, I made a bold commitment: I would train for and run a half marathon in the six months… even though I hadn’t run a mile since high school, had three kids under four years old, and held a demanding executive leadership position.
It wasn’t about running 13.1 miles —it was about shifting mindset and shattering limiting beliefs. Because here’s the truth: what you believe creates the life you have—for better or worse. As I trained my mind, my body followed. And you know what? I ran that damn half marathon. Twice.
Thoughts + Focus = Results
Science shows that more than 80% of your thoughts are subconscious, negative, and repetitive. That’s profoundly bad news, unless you do something different.
Do this quick, but powerful exercise:
- ASSESS YOUR THOUGHTS. Are your conscious thoughts primarily positive or negative? Are you thinking about possibilities and problem solving? Are you hopeful for the future? Are your thoughts leading you in a direction you want to continue? Discern whether your thoughts are more positive or negative these days.
- ANALYZE YOUR FOCUS. Do you have clearly defined priorities and goals? Do you have time blocked in your calendar to work on them? Are you easily distracted? Do you spend too much time on “fancy busy work”? Be honest with yourself about whether your focus is high or low right now.
Then, plot your thoughts and focus on the matrix below to discover your current reality of your results:
How does this exercise align with your current reality?
When your thoughts align with your goals and your focus is intentional, you accelerate your success. How you focus your mindset propels you to achieve your goals faster. But when negativity creeps in and focus slips, even the most talented leaders become stuck and feel scattered. (Read more on what the Mindset Matrix means for your leadership next steps HERE.)
Train Your Brain
Holistically successful leaders aren’t the ones who never feel stress or distraction (Hello, I’ve got 3 teenagers and ADHD!)—they’re the ones who train their minds to refocus quickly. Mental wholeness is about creating clarity in the chaos and prioritizing the thoughts that serve you.
What you focus on expands.
So, how do you start? By intentionally managing your energy and focus throughout the day.
Do This Now: Schedule Energy Bursts & Breaks
To sharpen your focus and sustain creativity, schedule 1-2 energy bursts and breaks daily:
- ENERGY BURSTS: Strategically determined blocks of time where you work on your most important priorities with full focus. Protect this time—silence notifications, set “Do Not Disturb,” close your door, and dive deep. Energy bursts drive progress and maximize your output.
- ENERGY BREAKS: Deliberate mental breaks to stop thinking about the problems you’re solving. Go for a walk, stretch, disconnect from your phone, or simply breathe deeply. Energy breaks involve creative thinking and helps prevent burnout.
Mental wholeness isn’t a luxury—it’s your leadership edge. With the right mindset and focus, you’ll not only achieve more but do so with clarity, creativity, and energy.
My Five Favorite Resources
When I worked with my first coach 20 years ago, my mental wholeness was abysmal! These resources have served me well in the last decade.
- Mindset by Carol Dweck: This seminal book needs to be on every leader’s bookshelf, but even more so in their mental queue.
- “I Am” Daily Affirmations App: This app is worth the annual fee. Decide how often you want the messages to change on your phone’s home screen. I’m shocked how often my mind needs to be brought back to thoughts that’d serve me better than the ones I’m currently thinking.
- Mantra Repetition: I choose a different mantra every few months that’s aligned with my current goals and initiatives. I write it on post-it notes and put it in several places to trigger my brain to that thought. Then, I repeat it, out loud to train my brain to subconsciously think that thought.
- Mental Oscillation: My ADHD brain thrives when I can bounce between tasks and priorities, left-brained and right-brained activities. So, when I get bored or restless I switch what I’m doing to allow my brain a reset and re-focus.
- Practice Energy Bursts & Breaks: I have them scheduled in my calendar like a regular meeting. If something comes up that needs to take higher priority, I don’t cancel them; I move them in my calendar.
Your Next Step
Now that you have more clarity on what emotional wholeness looks like, download our Mental Guide: Overview & Pro Tips for specific next steps aligned with your goals that you can implement today.
If you want a full review of how you’re doing holistically in your life and leadership, purchase our proprietary 120-question Wholeness Assessment, and get personalized results and practical action steps to help you grow and reach your fullest potential.