Our mind is a complex blend of thoughts, memories, desires, beliefs, signaling to us through emotions, interacting continuously and many times fighting with each other, to satisfy our demands for performance or survival. Emotions are running constantly in the back of our minds either we are aware of them or not, and to put it simply, we have emotions – always.
In our pursuit to keep our minds calm, we need to understand that being well mentally is not so much a destination, it’s a delicate balance. It’s about feeling good about ourselves, having a sense of purpose, being resilient, and finding harmony in every aspect of our lives. We’re all human, and sometimes we need to remind ourselves that being well isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment, growth, and awareness.
Feeling good about ourselves sounds simple, yet many of us struggle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or constantly measuring ourselves against others. But the truth is, we need to nurture our sense of self-worth, not by comparing, but by embracing who we are and what we’ve accomplished. It’s about quieting that internal critic and replacing it with a voice of compassion. Feeling good about ourselves means recognizing our strengths, forgiving our mistakes, and accepting that we are already worthy.
Then, there’s purpose. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning is essential. As leaders, we often find purpose in driving results or meeting goals. But at a deeper level, we need to connect to something that gives our work meaning—a sense that what we’re doing contributes to something greater than ourselves. Purpose can come from creating opportunities for others, building meaningful relationships, or simply making a positive impact in our community. When we feel that purpose, our work becomes more than a task—it becomes a calling.
We need to be resilient. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Challenges arise, setbacks happen, and we are faced with moments of doubt. But our ability to bounce back, to face adversity with strength and optimism, is what helps us keep moving forward. Resilience isn’t about being unshakable—it’s about being adaptable, learning from experiences, and growing stronger with each challenge. It’s okay to stumble, as long as we get back up and keep walking with a clear mind and an open heart.
Lastly, we need balance. It’s easy to get consumed by one area of our life, especially work, but true wellbeing comes from tending to all aspects of ourselves. Relationships, family, interests, health—they all play a role in our happiness and mental clarity. Balance doesn’t mean perfect symmetry, but it does mean consciously giving time and energy to what matters most. We are multi-dimensional beings, and when we neglect one part of ourselves, it can affect everything else.
In the end, focusing on mental wellbeing is about nurturing all these aspects of our lives: self-worth, purpose, resilience, and balance. As we cultivate these qualities within ourselves, we create a stronger foundation for leading with intention, compassion, and clarity. We can’t pour from an empty cup, so we must first take care of ourselves. When we do, not only do we grow, but so do those around us. Mental wellbeing is not just an individual journey—it’s a collective one.