“Work-life” balance is a common topic of discussion in business circles. When we lack that balance and tip into workaholic tendencies, it leads to burnout and brain fog. However, the way that we’ve come to talk about “work-life” balance may need fine-tuning.

When we think of running races, the quality that comes immediately to mind is speed. You have to be the fastest to win. While this isn’t necessarily true, as you need a combination of qualities in order to cross the finish line first, speed is undoubtedly an important factor. Improving our times is often a huge goal!

I've written at length about the importance of healthy sleep habits. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, mentally and physically. Not only does a good night's sleep work towards improving heart health and repairing the brain, but it can alleviate symptoms of stress and depression. 

I don't know of a single person who doesn't want to increase their master over their finances. More than simply being a good manager of money, however, we want to see that money grow. Financial success doesn't come to us by itself. No, it takes a level of intentionality and education to make it happen.

Last year, Forbes published an article declaring that America has become the "No-Vacation Nation." Studies showed that in 2017, 47 percent of Americans didn't take a vacation and a further 21 percent left five or more vacation days on the table.

I've made a point to express my pain during the summer running season. Here, it's less about the heat and more about the humidity! Regardless, summer can be an intimidating season for endurance runners. It definitely tests your body in ways that other seasons won't, creating unique opportunities as well as pitfalls.

Networking is a divisive topic among professionals. Some people thrive on social gatherings, naturally make new connections, and find that building a massive network comes easily. Others, however, find networking an awkward affair fraught with phony smiles, polite small talk, and no genuine investment in the people you're talking to.

No matter who you are, you will encounter setbacks in your career. No matter how diligent you are in business, things just don't always go according to plan. Your success or failure is often not determined by these setbacks, but by your response to them.

Summertime. While I've often bemoaned the Tennessee heat, I really do enjoy this time of year. For me, it's not just about wearing shorts, grilling out, and hitting the beach, though all of those things are a lot of fun. Summer is a season of vibrancy. The sun doesn't set until well after eight in the evening where I am. My early morning runs are dark and serene, while my days feel full and accomplished.

Your business card matters. Shocker, right? It can seem like you hand out a million of the things and only a fraction of those contacts ever turn into real, viable leads for your business. We seem to be beyond business cards these days. But there is still a need and even an expectation for them. If you want to be perceived well as a professional, part of that involves having a slick, standout business card.

I don't know about you, but here in Memphis, it is already hot, even in early June. The South is humid, too, so sweat is the name of the game. When I go for a long run, I crave something that is not only going to replenish my body with protein, fiber, and other nutrients, but I want something cool, refreshing, and hydrating.

For many of us in the United States, we have been sold a false narrative of what it means to be happy and successful. We have become to equate them as one and the same. Our lives are filled with “if only” and “but when” as we chase happiness and fulfillment with our accomplishments and acquisitions.

Financial advice is enormously tricky. We simultaneously live in a society where there is an abundance of financial resources and financial advice but a lack of overall financial literacy. Many of us stick to the same pieces of financial advice we're always heard without question, never asking whether or not the advice we hear is actually beneficial or working with modern money sensibilities.

Let's do lunch. It might sound passe to think about your table manners, but believe me, it's not. Being a gentleman is never passe nor is making an impression with your top-notch etiquette. At some point or another, you will inevitably find yourself at a business lunch of some kind. Whether you're trying to make an impression internally with higher-ups or taking associates and clients out for a meal, it's critical that you're putting your best foot forward.

Do You Share the Habits of Successful People? Most of us aspire to be in a better position than where we are right now. Taking that aspiration and channeling it into real, meaningful life change that turns into success—be it in career, wealth, or relationships—is another story entirely.

As we move towards summer, nothing appeals more to me than a cold drink. I'm thinking of a big glass of lemon water or an iced tea. As a runner, one of my chief concerns this time of year and on through September (sometimes October, depending on how hot Tennessee wants to stay!) is hydration. We can be dehydrated any time of year, but summer heat really accentuates our need for adequate H2O.

Leaders at any and every stage of their careers must be imbued with certain qualities to be truly effective. While many of us view leadership as a prestigious hierarchy, the truth is leadership carries an enormous responsibility. While it is a great privilege, leadership often takes on many qualities of service.

If someone were to ask you what the biggest risks in business were, what would you say? I think most of us would point to outside factors that are beyond our control: geopolitical forces, world economics, even our rapidly changing world of technology. That level of unpredictability is just too much risk to anticipate and challenge for a modern business!

When it comes to our careers, self-sabotage can be very real. While we no doubt all want success, there are some toxic behaviors that we may not even be aware of that are holding us back from reaching our full potential in our career paths. Whether you're running your own business or looking to climb the professional ladder, there are always career moves and decisions that need to be made if we hope to advance.

In our culture of dieting, we tend to think of nutrition is fairly narrow terms. In many cases, nutrition has been relegated to how much food will help or hurt you in a quest to gain or lose weight. However, we know that nutrition is much more than a weight loss journey, though that can be a part of the equation.