Written by: Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
One of the most life-changing things anyone ever said to me was, “Ellen, you Walk your talk… you inspire… you know what you need to do next.”
After that, I quit my 10-year career as a Senior Management Consultant in Finance to become a successful entrepreneur and Executive Health and Wellness Coach. Along my 20+ year journey, every time I’ve felt some sort of misalignment with my purpose, business, or self, I’ve stopped to pivot to listen for whatever I needed to adjust my course to walk my talk — honestly, authentically, and effectively.
According to McKinsey, nearly two-thirds of US-based employees said that COVID-19 has caused them to reflect on their purpose in life and over 70% said their sense of purpose is largely defined by work. The great resignation is a sign that many do not feel they are walking their talk.
So, “Do you feel like you’re walking your talk?” is a question we should all be asking ourselves regularly. Why?
We all want to have maximum impact in whatever we do and walking our talk in alignment with whom we want to be allows us to do just that.
What I’ve noticed
I’ve noticed that the executives that I coach typically know what to do but don’t always do it. They show up feeling like they are not always aligned and walking their talk. Brilliant professionals, ready for a personal turnaround to upgrade their well-being through more — or better — self-care. Finally, ready to put themselves first, instead of their job or other people, to take charge of their health, stress, weight, sleep, energy, work-life balance, and, ultimately, personal empowerment.
The latest Gallup research shows that just 24% of workers strongly agree that their employers care about their well-being. Since retention, burnout, and brand advocacy are strongly linked to this employee sentiment, leaders can — and should —show they care by walking their talk.
How to start
Fall is the perfect time for some back-to-basics self-coaching to assess how well you’re walking your talk. A little self-coaching through:
Active listening
Self-determined goals
An understanding of your strengths
An unconditional positive regard
Stop to listen to what your little voice is saying (and not saying) to discover (or re-discover) your goals and strengths. Consider yourself with unconditional positive regard — as if you were coaching your best friend. You got this and yes, you can do hard things. Then, pivot, realign, and walk your talk. Your impact — on yourself and others — depends on it.
Tick your box
Check this list of life areas where you surely know what to do but might not be doing it or setting the example you want to. Areas where you just might not be ticking the box and walking your talk …
Nurturing your relationships
Turning off your devices
Taking breaks throughout the day
Exercising every day
Working nights and weekends
Eating the right food
Getting enough sleep
Maintaining a healthy weight
Progressing in your job or life, aligned with your soul
Feeling calm and empowered in whom you want to be — and see
I (still!) tick all the boxes above.
How did you score?
I made the turnaround from stressed-out executive to thriving and inspiring entrepreneur nearly 20 years ago and have since dedicated my life and career to supporting others to do the same. I practice what I preach, aligning my daily habits — at home and work — with what I hope will inspire others. I sleep about 8 hours a night, manage a healthy weight, don’t overdo screen time, and exercise daily. I, honestly, have never felt better.
To have the impact you want, create life-changing habits, and achieve your well-being goals, start walking your talk!
If self-coaching doesn’t work for you, find a sparring partner or coach who’s been there and done that so that you’ll get sustainable results such as a better life balance, less stress, more energy, optimal health, better sleep, and the confidence you need to be whom you want to be — and see. More than anything, coaching will help keep you on track, focused, and accountable and create the clarity to go beyond “knowing the way” to also “go the way” and “show the way.”
To walk your talk. At work and home. From now on.
No time? Seriously? No time not to my friend!
Learn more at www.whealthness.ch and ekocher@whealthness.ch.
Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ellen Kocher is an Economist and Certified Workplace Wellness Consultant who holds a master’s degree in Health & Wellness Coaching. Following 10 years as an Executive in Finance, Ellen made some major lifestyles change and has dedicated the past 20+ years to walking her talk through workplace wellbeing, promoting a holistic approach to eating, physical activity, health, resilience, and self-care. Ellen has coached hundreds of individuals and groups in dozens of organizations to make sustainable lifestyle changes empowering them to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it! Most recently Ellen’s work focuses on the 50+ demographic.
