What the heck are adaptogens? That was my first thought when I first saw products marketed with this new health and wellness buzzword. Over the years, I’ve seen enough “miracle” supplements and nutritional “game changers” to know they’re never what they advertise. 

Stress is at an all-time high. It feels like it’s been a mounting issue since the pandemic. Naturally, we’re all looking for solutions to help manage stress! So, of course, companies capitalize on potential solutions – not all of them safe or effective.

That doesn’t mean, though, that adaptogenic supplements don’t have benefits. After diving into some research and studies, I’m here to break down the what and why of adaptogens in your diet.

Despite your success, self-doubt has a nasty habit of creeping in anyway. You may have no apparent reason to feel like you do – but that doesn’t stop these feelings from rearing their ugly heads. I know I’ve experienced self-doubt in my professional life – as a leader, an entrepreneur, and someone willing to take risks, it’s inevitable. 

But we don’t have to live with self-doubt. Once you recognize where these sentiments come from, you’ll be better equipped to understand and overcome…leading to bigger and better things!

In July 2009, retired couple Tom and Linda Bosworth ventured out in their Jeep for a relaxing drive through the New Mexico desert. What should have been an idyllic outing turned into a nightmare when they became stranded in the middle of nowhere. To make matters worse, they only had enough water for their planned picnic.

Do you ever have those times when you just feel tired? No amount of sleep seems to help. Coffee has lost its pizazz. It seems to come out of nowhere, too. You’re not sick. There’s no underlying medical condition causing it.

This fatigue is enormously frustrating for anyone, especially career-minded individuals. It hits hard and makes even mundane tasks seem insurmountable. Never mind the tasks that demand actual brainpower and effort! 

Before diving into some common sources of persistent fatigue, I want to review a few definitions. Fatigue is a broader term, but there are many types – and thus, causes – to consider.

Consider the jobs you’ve worked throughout your life. I guarantee you even the best jobs came with their fair share of frustrations! When pet peeves compound, though, it can hurt employee retention and team cohesion. Small, persistent issues add up. They can be so impactful, in fact, that even excellent compensation isn’t enough to make up for a stressful environment.

Don’t let your team fall prey to these pet peeves, whether in-person or remote. Instead, mitigate and seek real solutions!

It’s hot in Memphis, Tennessee. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen daily highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid-90s. Sometimes higher. And that’s not even talking about the humidity! It’s hot in the south, and much of the country has suffered heat waves this summer. 

We talk about having a slow metabolism or a fast metabolism. We hear about what we should eat and avoid. When we hear “metabolism,” and when referred to in many spaces, it simply means “the rate at which we burn calories,” but it’s a more nuanced process than that.

Metabolism is a three-stage chemical reaction that includes converting food to energy for cellular processes, converting food into bodily building blocks (proteins, lipids, nucleic acids), and eliminating metabolic waste. It’s both breaking down and building up.

Starting your own business is a big deal. Even though it’s easier now than ever to strike out on your own as a startup, it’s still a process that spans many different facets of planning, resource-gathering, and quick learning. Maybe you want to be your own boss. You’ve been dreaming of this business venture for years. 

You’re just feeling stuck in the “research and development” phase and are unsure how to take those last steps. Listen up: it’s time to stop dreaming. 

Starting a business doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task. You can grow over time. You can hire people later. Fine-tune as you go. What’s important is getting off the ground in the here and now.

As the old saying goes, “Running is 90% mental, and the rest is physical.” Now, I don’t know if that’s the actual breakdown. With all the training that goes into endurance running, you’d think the physical aspects would account for a bigger piece of the pie. 

But here’s what I do know: the mental component is undeniably essential to the endurance runner. The wrong mindset can make or break your race performance. It can prevent you from reaching your potential. So, as much as I can (and will) give tips on the form and function of running, I also want to talk about the psychological element. 

While I often see mental toughness discussed in the context of athletics and running, this quality can improve just about every area of your life, from the personal to the professional and the physical to the mental. Now, what is mental toughness? In short, it’s one’s ability to push forward through challenges.

It’s getting knocked down seven times and getting up eight. 

Mental toughness is essential for personal growth in virtually every aspect of your life. You have to be able to roll with the punches. No giving up, no rolling over, no throwing up your hands. Mental toughness is all about overcoming challenges. Of course, that’s easier said than done! 

I’ve been on my wellness journey – endurance running and being intentional about my diet – for some time now. And I can’t begin to tell you how much misinformation, misconceptions, and outright lies are in the health and wellness world! Knowing the truth about how our bodies work regarding nutrition and exercise will spare you setbacks and frustrations. 

When I think about leadership traits, the usual suspects come to mind first: charisma, communication, resilience, and determination. I’m sure you can come up with a long list! I think, though, that some lesser-known, surprising qualities are found among the best of the best leaders. You could even call them weird or quirky.

While I often see mental toughness discussed in the context of athletics and running, this quality can improve just about every area of your life, from the personal to the professional and the physical to the mental. Now, what is mental toughness? In short, it’s one’s ability to push forward through challenges.

It’s getting knocked down seven times and getting up eight. 

The older I get, the more compelled I am to care for my brain. As much as I love being physically active, my mental ability is just as valuable. And let’s be honest – both brain and physical health are linked to diet. What we consume matters. If you’re going to stay mentally sharp, your body needs certain nutrients. 

Fledgling entrepreneurs stand on the edge of grand opportunities and great risk. The entrepreneur’s journey isn’t easy, especially when you’re just starting. Trust me, I’ve been there myself! For all the innovative ideas and big dreams, what entrepreneurs really need is financial direction. 

This path is exhilarating and daunting all at once. Ensure you’re making the most of your chance: follow these financial tips!

I can’t say that I was surprised that the United States dropped out of the top 20 countries in the World Happiness Report by Gallup. (We moved from 15th place to 23rd place.) So many factors determine happiness – but the United States is undoubtedly affected by the rising cost of living, social media influence, loneliness, economic strain, and a tumultuous news cycle.

At times, it might seem as though there’s nothing you can do. But don’t count yourself out, especially if you’re in a leadership position. 

Now, the goal of a business isn’t to have happy workers. But happy workers are significantly better for business than unhappy ones! And as someone in charge, you play an instrumental role in creating and sustaining a sense of happiness.

Healthy dietary habits don’t have to be about losing weight. Good nutrition does so much more for us than that! It improves energy levels, working memory, gut health, and bodily efficiency. It helps prevent disease and can improve the symptoms of chronic health problems. At the end of the day, good eatin’ is a good idea.

That said, I know sticking to a nutritionally sound diet is easier said than done – whether we’re crunched for time or tempted by sweets. Let these game-changing insights revolutionize the way you eat! 

Studies suggest that the average person makes 35,000 decisions every day. These may be big or small, conscious or subconscious, but they all matter. When you’re in a high-stakes position as an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader, wise decision-making is especially valuable. We always want to choose what’s best for ourselves, our team, and our business. 

But taking confident, decisive action is easier said than done. With the weight of that responsibility, many people struggle to make their choices with confidence. If you want to learn the secrets of making wise business decisions, keep reading!

I’ve been running for a long time now. In honing my stamina, form, speed, and discipline, I’ve learned how easy it is to get hurt. Running injuries don’t always happen suddenly or obviously. Many times, injuries are the result of continued bad habits or poor form. They sneak up on us! 

Because it’s always better to recognize and address problems from the onset, runners need to know what to look for. Doing so will reduce downtime, prevent costly medical expenses, and get you back in action sooner rather than later.

The entrepreneur’s journey isn’t a waltz through the roses. This path demands more than determination and hutzpah, too. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or what kind of business you want to build – entrepreneurs must start with a solid foundation for success. And that foundation begins with finances.

If you want to craft a successful, lasting business that is an asset rather than a liability, start here. Getting the fiscal side right is critical – so commit these financial rules to heart.