Founder Stories: Fitness as an Anchor

This week, I share my story of an early morning panic attack and how I’ve made improvements.

The Struggle

In the whirlwind of startup life, the line between work and personal time often blurs. For me, David Frankle, it reached a breaking point 10 weeks ago. Amidst a personal relationship ending and my CTO’s sudden departure, I found myself facing a daunting rebuild of our product. My inbox was an avalanche of urgent demands; it was then I realized my work-life balance had completely toppled over.

The Turning Point

Running on the fumes of high caffeine and low sleep, a moment of clarity struck one evening. Staring at my dusty running shoes, I realized change doesn't require grand gestures; it begins with a single step. So, I took that step – a short, unremarkable run that broke the monotony of my routine.

The Milestone: Fitness as a Lifeline

Returning to the gym was like stepping into a new world. The rhythmic hum of the treadmill and the pulsating gym music were energizing. This experience mirrored my professional life: just as consistency is crucial in sales, a regular fitness routine became my lifeline. It's not about never stopping; it's about always starting again, be it bouncing back from a lost sale or returning to the treadmill after a missed week.

The Lessons

This journey taught me something vital: I had stopped investing in myself. Caught up in selling the dream and driving results, I overlooked my personal well-being. My fitness journey reminded me that amidst the chaos of professional life, personal milestones like fitness are essential for grounding and balance.

Anchors

What's your anchor? Is it a book, an art project, or a quiet cup of tea? Let’s shift our focus from just work accomplishments to personal milestones that enrich us. These stories make us more empathetic leaders and well-rounded individuals. Share with us your story of finding balance.