Are you busy?
I know I am.
People ask how I manage to be a businesswoman, a wife, a mother (of three very active sons) and still find time for myself.
The answer is: I don’t find time. I make time to take care of myself. There isn’t any other way to have work-life balance, which is the true definition of success.
To get that balance, you need to make yourself a priority. Move yourself to the top of your to-do list. That’s not always easy, especially when you’re trying to do it all and succeed on every level.
I live life on the run. I run my household, I run my business, and I run around acting as spokesperson for the company. I run to do TV shows, fashion shows, photo shoots and so on. I even ran to Washington, DC (okay, I took a train) to do the makeup for Dr. Jill and Vice President Joe Biden and members of their family during President Obama’s Inauguration. It was unbelievably thrilling. It was incredibly fun. And hectic? Absolutely! When you’re doing the work that you love, it doesn’t always feel like work. Still, there never seems to be enough time.
I believe that I’m successful because I’ve set my sights on having a balanced life. That balance takes constant effort and vigilance. Like most women, I’m geared to take care of others before I take care of myself.
That’s why I work so hard to make time to recharge my batteries. For me, that means exercise. I actually schedule it; it’s part of my calendar. One night a week, I’ve got yoga scheduled. Two mornings a week, I train with my trainer. Three days a week, I take spinning class. Weekends, I do whatever I feel like doing. That’s how I recharge my batteries.
I’m able to follow these rules about 80 percent of the time. Sometimes, things get cancelled, like when I’m in meetings or traveling or involved with a fashion show. But taking care of me is what keeps me sane and healthy, mentally and physically. It’s what keeps me feeling comfortable in my own skin, so that I can do – and be – my best.
If I find myself slipping, I remind myself: When you’re healthy and strong and at the top of your game, you inspire everyone you come in contact with. When you make yourself a priority, you serve as an example and role model for people who want to do that for themselves, but don’t know how.
It’s definitely been a work-in-progress. I’m not perfect, and there’s always room to grow. And time to grow, because I make it a priority. And I encourage you to do the same. Because the investment you make in taking care of yourself is one that will pay off in all the best ways.
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