Unlock Success: 7 Essential Healthy Habits of Highly Effective CEOs You Can Adopt Today!

Being a CEO comes with a lot of stress. You’re responsible for the board, shareholders, employees, and customers. With so many high-stakes decisions and constant demands, personal health often gets pushed aside. But here’s the catch: your well-being is crucial not just for you but for the whole organization.

Research shows that when a CEO faces health issues, it can impact the entire company. For instance, a study from the University of Georgia found that company share prices drop when an executive announces illness or medical leave. This highlights the importance of treating your health as a key part of your leadership strategy. Here are seven healthy habits that can help CEOs excel.

1. Energy is Key

Your energy is more valuable than time. This idea, discussed by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, emphasizes that time only matters if you have the energy to use it wisely. Instead of counting hours, focus on when you feel most energized. Tackle your toughest tasks when you’re at your peak and save easier tasks for lower-energy times. This simple adjustment can boost your productivity and effectiveness.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable

Self-discipline is vital for CEOs. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, suggests creating accountability by writing down what you need to focus on each week. Seek honest feedback too. Whether it’s through executive coaches, health tracking apps, or wellness check-ins, setting up accountability can keep you on track with your personal health just like you monitor business goals.

3. Fitness Fuels Leadership

Exercise isn’t just a luxury; it’s a powerful leadership tool. As Disney’s Bob Iger said, staying physically fit is essential for tackling CEO responsibilities. Regular exercise boosts your resilience, cognitive function, and ability to manage stress. Just like athletes train to excel, CEOs can benefit from a solid fitness routine to withstand work challenges.

4. Mental Training Matters

Much like sports, business success often hinges on mental strength. CEOs can enhance their confidence and decision-making skills through daily mental exercises. Activities like mindfulness, journaling, and visualization can help build essential traits like courage, wisdom, and adaptability. These practices make leaders more effective and relatable.

5. Rest and Recovery are Essential

While working long hours may seem impressive, it’s not sustainable. Prioritizing rest and recovery is crucial for growth. Create a schedule that balances intense work with breaks and quality sleep. As Tim Grover, trainer to NBA legends, points out, pushing too hard without rest will leave you exhausted. Knowing when to recharge is key to lasting performance.

6. Treat Health Like a Business Strategy

The same long-term vision that guides successful companies can apply to your health. Track important health metrics and adjust your lifestyle based on what you learn. Just as leaders analyze business data, keeping an eye on your health can lead to better choices. Taking charge of your wellness is an ongoing process, just like running a business.

7. Invest in Hobbies and Relationships

Successful CEOs appreciate the importance of life beyond work. Strong connections with family, friends, and mentors provide support and fulfillment. Hobbies offer stress relief and ignite creativity, making you a more rounded leader. Whether it’s acquiring new skills or spending quality time with loved ones, enriching your personal life enhances your overall well-being.

In short, good health is more than personal—it’s a strategic advantage for CEOs. By focusing on energy, resilience, and healthy habits, leaders can not only endure the challenges of their role but thrive amid them. In today’s demanding world, prioritizing health isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential.