By Naomi Neilson Howard
When I first started Native Trails, work coincided with play. From adventures exploring remote artisan villages of Mexico to the thrilling success of selling their creations back home, my thought was, work is life, isn’t it?
By the time I met my husband, Chris, I was ready for a change of pace. I’ll admit we have an advantage since Chris is an expert in work/life balance – a psychologist who actually wrote his doctoral dissertation on the topic of self-care. Even so, we’re driven, entrepreneurial professionals with two very active preschoolers, and it’s not easy to create balance in today’s increasingly demanding, ever-connected and information-laden world.
Here are three lessons I have learned throughout my personal evolution toward a healthy work/life balance.
Build up the team
When our first baby came along, my executive team joked (with relief, truth be told) about “The Braylon Effect” as I stepped away from micro managing and entrusted them with a new and very healthy level of authority. Baby number two brought about “The Ania Effect” as I realized that refining my team to a new level was becoming the “make or break” for the company. I hired key positions and moved, promoted or cut other team members to attain a higher level of leadership and execution at the management level. These changes were absolutely key to creating balance.
Create a support network
My husband and I form a mutual support network at home, each encouraging and proud of the other’s accomplishments. Whether through early morning coffee powwows or scheduled date nights, we find it absolutely essential to stay deeply connected and provide invaluable support for one another.
At work, I am more effective in my role as CEO when I dedicate time each month to engaging with outside peer advisory groups, my invaluable professional support system with whom I grow as a leader and share experiences and input on challenges and successes.
Stay healthy, energized and mentally optimized
I don’t have time to get sick; I need to move and think quickly. I get lots of exercise and try hard for adequate sleep. To keep my immune system strong and my mood elevated, I strive for daily Vitamin D in the form of natural sunlight, and eat mostly fresh whole foods including lots of brain-boosting Omega-3’s and raw greens.
Things certainly don’t always flow perfectly, and there are the inevitable times of stress, imbalance and frustration. Some day’s whiz by at the pace of a bullet train; other times it’s more like Amtrak – not quite so smooth. But I have found that the more balanced I am as an individual and family member, the more rewarding life becomes on all levels – and the more effective I am as CEO for my company.
Naomi Neilson Howard is the CEO and founder of Native Trails