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Perhaps, you start early, work late, and check email on weekends – but still don’t have the level of results you planned to achieve. It may not be your work ethic that’s holding you back. It could be your state of well-being.
At last year’s Dreamforce, Deepak Chopra revealed key insights on the past, present and future of well-being and its relationship to performance.
Here are seven teachings from the talk and his books plus ways to leverage these learnings to increase sales productivity:
The body is not a physical machine. Deepak refers to it as “a stream of activity”- sleeping, eating, walking, and thinking. The body is consistently working for us, but it needs both the mental and physical fuel to perform at an optimal level. As high-achievers we consistently push ourselves to the edge. The next time you think about taking lunch at your desk ask, “Will taking a short break make me more productive in the long run?” The answer is yes, eating away from the desk and taking just a five minute walk allows your mind to reset, generate fresh ideas and power through the rest of the day.
Customers smell fear. Deepak says, “Replace fear-motivated behavior with love-motivated behavior.” If your business has a strong value proposition you’re not really selling, you’re storytelling. Nobody wants to be sold to. Don’t let your end of the month sales goals drive the conversation. Get in listen mode to understand the customer’s needs then ask, “What relevant story should I share that demonstrates how I can solve their pain?” People remember stories and when you can directly link them to taking their pain away, you’ve already closed the deal.
As the business owner or sales manager, be aware of how you motivate and support your team. In the Gallup Well-Being research study, Deepak found that team members who were ignored by their supervisor had a 45 percent disengagement rate. He says, “Your inner reality will reflect in the world out there.” If the team doesn’t feel supported chances are goals won’t be met.
Being around happy people naturally increases happiness. If you have several negative people in your office, they will spread their attitude like wildfire and the same goes for happy people. Promote a “no gossip” policy and positive interaction. Deepak noted that you can raise blood pressure by sending or receiving an email. Your social, community, and financial well-being, influence your physical well-being. Deepak says, “The more positive the input your body receives, the more positive its output.”
Lack of sleep increases stress. Have you ever had a bad night’s sleep and the next day was a complete train wreck? Getting a good night's sleep can help prevent the onset of depression and other draining emotions. In his research, Deepak found that lack of sleep decreases concentration. A good night’s rest partnered with regular meditation can create dynamic activity in the brain, putting you in the “state of flow.” Deepak says, “The more your mind is restful, the more you’re capable of dynamic activity.” Listen to your body for how much rest it needs.
Deep happiness requires a direct link to fulfillment and purpose. When team members feel good about work, the happier they become. If you’re struggling with a gap in happiness, Deepak says, “The fastest way to be happy is to make someone else happy.” Develop a positive eco system.
It’s clear that doubling the business begins with your team’s state of well-being. A balanced diet, good sleep, and reduced stress will increase productivity. To learn more about Deepak Chopra’s research check out the Gallup Poll on Well-Being.
What well-being practices have helped you increase productivity? Share in the comments below.
Jamila Payne is CEO of Soul Purpose Company (www.soulpurposecompany.com ) a program that inspires business professionals to achieve everyday sustainable living. Read the e-newsletter and grab a free manifesto to develop healthy habits for your body, soul and business.
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