E12: Why Your Health is Your Most Important Business Asset (And How a Mentor's Passing Changed Everything)

Founder Reality

Taking care of your health isn't selfish when you're building a company - it's the most important business decision you'll ever make. Here's why I completely changed my approach after losing my mentor.

The wake-up call that changed everything:

• Lost my mentor Rob unexpectedly at 60 - two weeks after he said he'd be back from a trip
• Family member diagnosed with late-stage cancer during routine check
• Realized I was treating my body like it was invincible while building companies
• If I burn out my body, I don't get to finish the work

My unhealthy founder habits (sound familiar?):

• 10-12 hour days, feeling guilty about taking lunch breaks
• Eating whatever was convenient - takeout, random snacks, no sugar tracking
• Treating workouts like performance theater for social media
• Sleeping whenever, waking whenever, ignoring my body's signals
• Believing health optimization would take "too much time"

The myth that nearly killed my progress: Thought being healthy required becoming a fitness expert, tracking every calorie, and spending hours planning. Complete BS.

My simple system that actually works:

1. Workout 5-6 times per week (40-45 minutes, non-negotiable)
2. Understand your calorie maintenance - mine's 2,500 calories daily
3. Cut sugar aggressively - no syrups, minimal sweets, aware consumption
4. Eat until 7-8 full (never stuffed) - no calorie tracking needed
5. Limit takeout to 2-3x per week - choose healthier options when you do
6. 7-8 hours sleep minimum - tracked with Apple Watch for awareness

Game-changing realizations:

• Working out replaced meditation - physical exhaustion quiets my racing mind
• Better sleep = clearer thinking = better business decisions
• I have energy AFTER work now for things that matter
• AI (ChatGPT/Claude) makes workout and meal planning incredibly simple

The entrepreneur health paradox: We think taking care of ourselves is selfish or weak. But if you ignore warning signs, you won't be around to see your company succeed. Your health IS your business strategy.

Don't be perfect - be sustainable: I still eat pizza sometimes, work late occasionally, have bad sleep days. Difference? I'm paying attention and treating my body like it matters long-term.

Bottom line: Rob's passing wasn't just sad - it was a wake-up call. Your future self will thank you for starting today, even with an imperfect plan.

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