Joy Warrior. That is the term a friend and colleague has used to describe people who are energetic, warm, and whose smile makes everything better.
Prior to 2020, I felt like a Joy Warrior. I use the past tense because 2020 was exhausting and I am still recovering.
I used to think my health and well-being were dependent on what I ate, how much I slept, and the frequency of exercise I included in my schedule. This theory was based on the book Eat, Move, Sleep by Tom Rath and served as a guide post during the early years of my leadership journey.
After reflecting on this past year, I realize I need to adjust that theory if I want to regain Joy Warrior status.
The Eat, Move, Sleep cycle needs to be reframed to a Fuel, Work, Rest cycle.
The language we use matters.
Renaming the cycle better shapes the purpose and plan for support.
Let's break down the three different components to understand why each one is so important for holistic health and well-being, and why eating, sleeping, and moving are not enough.
Fuel
This is all about consumption and what you put into your body, mind, and spirit.
Eating and drinking
Reading, watching, listening
Connection and conversation
My key fuel includes a high intake of water, jamming to good music, eating a balance of healthy foods with just enough sweets, listening to podcasts about spirituality and relationships, and laughing with my family and friends (with a good martini or beer if the time is right;)
Work
This is all about active engagement and how you exercise your body, mind and spirit.
Physical movement
Intellectual stimulation
Service and care of others
My key work includes running, swimming, writing, strategic planning, researching leadership and education topics, and helping others solve problems.
Rest
This is all about pausing and how you allow your body, mind, and spirit to recover and prepare.
Sleep
Meditation
Prayer
My key rest includes eight hours of sleep, box breathing, everything on the Calm app, and giving my gratitude and fears to God.
Every human is unique and will need different forms of Fuel, Work, and Rest to achieve their Joy Warrior status.
We all have greatness inside us and we all deserve to experience greatness from others.
Let's commit to developing a Fuel, Work, Rest cycle that allows us to be the best version of ourselves as often as possible.