I am so fortunate to work daily with successful, talented and passionate business owners! They are driven, have vision, work ethic and a strong moral compass. Far too often, their extreme business focus has left them unbalanced and often unhealthy. The affects are everywhere, in their relationships, their environment, and their finances and yes even their beloved business. Everyone around them sees the tired eyes with dark circles, the extra weight, not to mention the stressed out, adrenaline crazed look on their face.

Yes, we all see it, the employees, customers, the spouse, the children, and yours truly the business coach. In a very dignified way, my clients share their full schedules and often dialogue with me for strategic time saving techniques. Behind the words, the pragmatic tone, the professional guise, it seems as though they are really saying ?please, I can't take one more thing, I am exhausted, spent, when is it my time? HELP I need space?. Through the telephone, I seem to be able to hear the quiet desperation behind each business conversation.

Maybe not the first call or even the first month but it isn't long before I go there. ?Tell me about how you take care of yourself?? or ?How do you re-energize and stay focused?? I say. A loud silence follows then a muffled stutter ?Well I took my kids to the zoo last month, ummm I guess I get my energy from work, ummm, that's all I seem to do?? long sigh.

Remember these are highly intelligent, powerful and successful people, so of course, their employees do not say anything. Ditto for their spouses?maybe a thoughtful friend says a word or two about possibly needing time off but no one really says what everyone is thinking?take time off, you look awful, or even better you than me!

I understand. I really do, I own a small business too. The to-do list is never ending! Add to that the value we place as a society on self-sacrificing hard work, making money, getting ahead. Even the value ?family first? can leave a well-meaning person left feeling drained.

We all know we need to move our bodies and eat well to thrive physically. Add to that prayer or meditation for your spirit and mind. Let us not leave out loving relationships for our emotional well-being. So why is well?being seemingly expendable? Is the payoff worth the cost?

Each call I chip away at my hard working clients?getting them to take time off here and find some space there. Maybe they decide to go for a morning walk or stop drinking soda. Sometimes they just need permission from someone and make dramatic changes on their own. Always, Always, Always it elevates their business in both profit and productivity.

If you recognize yourself here, I ask that you use the same intelligence, creative spirit and drive that you used to start your business and take care of yourself. Trust that other entrepreneurs have taken the well-being challenge as well and have greatly improved their businesses but more importantly their lives!

Alicia Fruin

Business Coach