My Thoughts, Health & Moving Forward

When we met you spoke of a time in your life when it became clear that you needed to take a break and concentrate on your health and wellbeing. Can you tell us what was happening at that time and what changes you made?

Like many women, I unconsciously sidelined my health for my career through most of my 20’s and early 30’s. Working as a television reporter meant not just the standard five-day work week, but overnight shifts, weekends and every public holiday. There was zero time to hit the treadmill or the headspace to prepare a Paleo inspired lunch! I was on the road constantly and could not control what I was eating or when I could workout. As well as stacking on a not-so-subtle 20 kilograms, I was becoming increasingly concerned about how the day-to-day stress of work was affecting me. It was time for a personal restructure of my life and I knew that it wasn’t going to be pretty. The only answer was seriously disruptive change to my routine and a new take on how I can find success without triggering an anxiety attack. I got up at 530am every morning for an hour of studio Pilates then ran around the Tan. Despite major adjustments on the work front, there were no exceptions and no excuses to my new routine. I stuck militarily to a meal plan, cut out alcohol altogether and drank two litres of water a day. I had a blackboard in my kitchen and struck off one kilo at a time. I didn’t have a specific goal weight, because the thought of losing 20kg was far too overwhelming. I decided instead to take it 5kg at a time and see how I felt. If I wanted to keep going, I would. The week that I hit 60kg I was working in Kuala Lumpur and remember weighing myself in the gym of a hotel. It was a triumph.

Do you find those in the corporate space find it difficult to see the connection between their physical and mental health?

Making this connection is a very personal journey. It’s always a joy to know when someone has that breakthrough, because it generally means that they are making their health and wellbeing a priority and having a good influence on others around them.

When do you feel most balanced?

When I haven’t overscheduled myself! I get very shirty when I look at the diary and see back-to-back training, traveling and speaking engagements, only because I know I won’t be able to give my best five days and nights in a row.

Who has been an important influence in your life?

Most definitely my mother. Judy is consistently supportive, never judgmental and incredibly compassionate. With three daughters, quite frankly, I have no idea how she’s managed us all!

What do you believe is the most important change people should make if they want to be kinder to themselves?

I think it’s always important to do what is right for you, and not necessarily what’s right for the people around you. For me, this realisation was the most dramatic catalyst for change in how I lived my life. It was painfully difficult, but ultimately meant I was being kinder to myself in so many ways. It also means that I am kinder to those around me.

Have you found work/life balance, what does it mean to you?

Balance for me means feeling good every day and delivering great work. I have finally found it by putting my health and wellbeing first. If I’m not feeling great, I simply won’t deliver.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Walking around the tan, meeting friends for coffee and watching sport. There is just no city in the world like Melbourne.

You’re about to start running online workshops. What do you want attendees to take away from their time with you?

We are all the CEO of our careers. This means understanding those foundational skills that we need to truly thrive in the workplace. I’d like anyone who takes part in my program to walk away feeling like they have complete control over their career path and the confidence to reach their potential.

What advice would you give to others shaping a new personal path?

Following my instinct and embracing the vulnerability that comes with change has given me so much confidence. I urge everyone to follow the direction of your instinct, regardless of the cost. I encourage you to choose what lifts you higher, back yourself and let go, so you can truly grow.

 

Read Rebuilding With Andrea Clarke – Part One

 

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