Is it ready? Can we launch? Is there something missing?
We’ve all faced moments of questioning in our business. Whether it’s a new venture, a proposal, a project, or a post, we find ourselves questioning if it’s ready or not to be put out into the world.
It can feel daunting. You’ve proofed it, tested it, received feedback from trusted people in your inner circle. As far as you’re concerned it’s good to go, but your finger tentatively hovers over the button, not sure whether to take the next step and hit send, publish, or submit.
The Root of Indecision
There is no one easy answer to why these moments of insecurity and uncertainty linger in limbo when making important business decisions, but the root of it all is fear.
- Fear of failure
- Fear of embarrassment
- Fear of being wrong
- Fear of exposing yourself
- Fear of ruining the beautiful thing that you’ve nurtured into creation and want to protect.
This fear triggers anxiety that can get in the way of your ability to confidently make a decision and move forward.
Sadly, women are more inclined to let fear step in and hold hostage pivotal moments, which in turn stagnates forward momentum and progress.
Why is that?
Interestingly, your ability to take a leap and break free from the anxiety and fear of the unknown could hinge on how physically strong you are.
Women and the Benefits a Strength Training Routine Can Bring to Business
Tulane University researchers Nicholas Kerry and Damian R. Murray, studied over 1,400 undergraduates at four U.S. universities, gathering data that included measurements of grip strength (using a hand-held dynamometer) and a personality survey designed to measure emotionality (covering emotions like fearfulness, anxiety, sentimentality, and emotional dependence).
Their research found that the students expressing a greater grip strength (an indicator of other levels of muscular strength) reported less anxiety and fearfulness. The gender divide in this research ultimately indicated that men scored higher overall in grip strength than women and explained some of their study’s findings regarding gender differences with regard to anxiety and fear.
The lower the strength score, the higher the propensity to the emotionality components of the study. That was true for both genders, however, women as a whole scored lower on strength and in turn had a larger margin of fearfulness and anxiety than their male counterparts.
How does all this apply here?
When analyzing the health of your business and the decisions you make on behalf of it, doing so from a holistic perspective is important. Your wellness in body can greatly determine the wellness of your business and your ability to make clear, concise, and confident decisions that are in the best interest of your company’s success.
In a nutshell, as a businesswoman, how and if you work-out could determine your company’s bottom line and forward progression.
How Strength Training Can Add Strength to Your Bottom Line
It has long been known that maintaining a regular level of fitness and exercise is beneficial to your overall well-being, but how does that apply to the stressors of your business and your ability to make decisions effectively and efficiently in the office?
Following are four benefits adopting a regular strength focused work-out can bring to your business:
1. Clarity
Consistent exercise utilizing weights, even your own body weight, at least twice a week can boost your brain’s ability to think clearly and protect it from degeneration. The mind-body connection that comes from focused workouts can increase your cognitive clarity and encourage a better mindset when making important decisions.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Strength focused exercise is known to bring down levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As you exercise, endorphins are released and provide a calming sense of accomplishment and harmony. You feel good. This sense of well-being frees the blocked space where stress and anxiety like to live, making your time in the office afterward more productive.
3. Increased Confidence
The combination of clarity of mind and reduction of stress and anxiety increases confidence in your own ability to succeed. When you work-out, you’re trusting in your body and in the power of your muscles. That same level of confidence and trust to overcome barriers is required in your business.
4. Happiness and Optimism
Improved blood flow, balanced hormones, muscular strength, and seeing the results both emotionally and physically from your hard work encourages a positive outlook on your life as a whole and reflects upon the efforts you put forth. It feels good to be happy.
As a businesswoman, your ability to think clearly, make decisive choices, and move forward with confidence is paramount to your success. Giving yourself the gift of an emotionally, mentally, and physically strong body can set you up for that success.
Final Thoughts
When approaching a strength building routine, it’s important to remember that your abilities and needs are unique to you and pain is NOT the answer. Seek a system of strength training that works for your body. Just as in business, progress is made in increments and consistency is rewarded over time.
The practice of strengthening your body and mind is about compassion and commitment. You are your best advocate in both your personal and professional life. Helping yourself make decisive choices is how you build confidence.
There’s no better ROI than when you focus on your own personal growth.
Kate Pitner
Kate Pitner is a designer and illustrator and the ‘poppy’ behind the poppynotes e-greetings mobile app. She founded the poppynotes app with one mission in mind: to help others stay connected to the important people in their lives in an easy, fun, and meaningful way. Kate has worked as a creative for 25+ years with experience in arts education, corporate graphic design, product manufacturing, branding, textile and wall-covering design for national hotel chains, art licensing for the gift industry, and now, app developer.
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Love this idea! I’ particularly appreciate the idea that this kind of routine requires COMPASSION as well as commitment! Thanks for sharing!!
Great article Kate. Congratulations
Thank you so much Liz for your comment. I think it’s a daily practice needed for businesswomen to keep compassion in the mix. I love that you pointed that out. Many thanks!
Thank you so much Carol!