Survive a significant personal health crisis.

The illnesses and personal tragedies I have had to face in my business have caused me to adjust how I think and react in a crisis or under pressure.

Such things as losing my father, my first real mentor, my daughter’s Asthma attacks, and the many other health crises like cancer and heart attacks I have experienced are a little different from what many people have to cope with and endure.

There is nothing like a major health crisis to prepare anyone for any eventuality. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work forever. The impact of droughts, floods and fires only magnifies the many issues we all face.

I understand now that the crisis does not shape our lives; our learned responses are vital to helping us cope. But, mind you, many people have had much worse circumstances than I have.

If no one asks, they will suffer in silence.

Unfortunately, many people never recover from a major crisis. So, you must accept your circumstances, adjust your lifestyle and outlook, and then act. However, trying to do it alone can be very difficult and ineffective.

Every year, thousands of business people and their businesses are terrorised by significant personal health or medical conditions, over and above economic conditions. Then, one of the principals or their spouse hears those dreaded words, “Cancer, Heart Attack, and Car Accident”.

The good news is that most people beat diseases and recover from car accidents. However, when the treatment has concluded, the person’s life changes, their visions and priorities change, and many personal and business relationships disintegrate. So, it is essential to remember that tough times do not last; tough people do.

I can remember the loss I felt when a fellow cancer patient died; he was in the hospital with me when I had cancer, and died a year later during his recovery phase. Today, I still feel a loss as this man helped me through all the pain and suffering in my darkest hours.

I felt that I had been able to help him through the pain of his operation, and we helped each other. I know plenty of people who have died, but some are special.  The death of some people hit you to the very core of your being. Yet, in just two weeks, our friendship was more profound, personal, and meaningful than any relationship I had ever had or had since.  It was back in the 1970s before the concept of R U OK.

I advise constantly asking your family, friends, and neighbours, “Are you OK”? It is hard to know if someone is suffering from a health or business problem, and if no one asks them, they will continue to suffer needlessly in silence. By encouraging understanding, reaching out, and sharing practical knowledge and experiences, you give people the confidence to take action.

Quotable quotes.

“Improve your health and well-being; start by having a break, streamlining your workflow so you can tackle the stressors in your life head-on”. Peter Sergeant

“Good health is about choice and relationships. When did you last ask an employee or friend, ” Are you OK?” and offer to help them? Peter Sergeant