I almost died yesterday (I guess I’m not superman)
I’ve been running ragged since I got back from my trip through Europe earlier this month. The last two weeks have been especially brutal with my attempts to work 15 – 20 hours days just to catch up.
And in the middle of all the traveling, speaking, business obligations, and deals I’ve been putting together, somewhere along the way I caught a really nasty bug. I lost my voice, and even had to miss an event, something I never do.
Man oh man did it knock me out, and that’s not the worst of it.
Here’s what happened…
The past few days, between work and a terrible cough I haven’t been able to sleep. So the other day I went to see my doctor and he told me to get some rest, and prescribed me this super-strong cough syrup.
Thinking I’m Superman I didn’t listen to the doctor’s advice and kept pushing through.
Well yesterday I had to catch an early morning flight to an event. I rushed out the door and caught my ride at 4:30 AM to the airport. In my hurry, instead of taking the recommended tablespoon or two of the cough medicine I chugged a huge swig right out of the bottle.
Big mistake!
On the way to the airport I got so dizzy I had my driver turn back and changed my flight for later that day.
Attempt two… made it to the airport, got there… and PASSED OUT! I almost died right there and then on the ground at my gate. I was revived… and of course they wouldn’t let me on the plane. Well I guess I’m not superman after all.
But here’s the thing.
In that brief moment I realized a few things that I’d like to share with you.
- Life is precious… if you don’t have your health what do you have? And the biggest deal I do doesn’t mean a thing if I can’t be around to enjoy the rewards.
- I need to be more strategic with my time and my team. 20 hours days shouldn’t be the norm, especially when I have a talented team around me. When you delegate, plan ahead, and think strategically you can work less and make more… and take as many vacations as you want without coming back to the mess of work like I created for myself. (I already knew this but sometimes I need a jolt to remind myself these things.)
- It’s important to relax and recharge. Even my European vacation wasn’t really a vacation – I was doing deals overseas. But taking day to relax and sharpen the axe goes a long way for health, clarity, and sanity.
- Listen to the experts. My mentors have told me time and time again everything I just listed out above…sometimes I need to listen. (And I should have paid close attention to the good ole’ doc when he said relax and take the correct dose.)
Anyway I’m here to live another day and help you succeed. Live through my mistakes and all the lessons you learn from others. And together we all win.
Speaking of listening to the experts, this weekend I have business icon and Donald Trump’s right hand man, George Ross, on my radio show. If you’re in the listening area be sure to keep an ear out.
Also, George Ross and several other business leaders will be joining me for a very special event I’m hosting next month for world leading entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and business leaders. I’m sending out personal invitations tomorrow to a select few so you may want to keep an eye out on your email box.
So for now, I’m off to live another day.
I hope you make today and everyday your very best. (We only live once.)
Regards,
J.T. Foxx