Running a business or leading a team while living with a chronic illness is incredibly challenging. Why? It’s not just about the symptoms you have to deal with, it’s also the fear and uncertainty that come with the condition.
You may not be sure how your body will feel tomorrow, or you may be fearing the next flare or relapse, not knowing when it’s going to come.
You love what you do, you’re committed and capable, but these questions about your health keep occupying your mind and keep you awake at night. Nevertheless, you have to carry on. Decisions to make, people to manage. Running a business never stops.
When everything becomes uncertain
I didn’t plan to become a sophrologist. I actually started in science, doing a PhD in the UK. I was used to working hard, pushing through, and holding myself to high standards.
Then I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Nobody could tell me how it was going to evolve or when the next relapse would be. I was left with these big questions and doubts, having to face unbearable uncertainty day to day.
My mind was consumed day and night with what was going to happen next and how bad it was going to be. What did it mean for me, my personal life, my career?
Living and leading in anticipation
I was still very committed to my work as a scientist, but trying to maintain performance while living with that level of uncertainty is a very specific kind of challenge. You still want to show up fully, but there’s always something in the background.
I now see the same pattern in many of the people I work with. Not necessarily fear of a relapse, but fear of what might happen next in their business or role.
With the current economic climate and the many changes businesses face, I don’t think leaders have ever faced such uncertainty. The weight of decisions and responsibilities keeps them awake at night.
There is constant worry about what will happen next.
And this constant worry translates into the body. It affects how you think, how you feel, how you perform.
Discovering sophrology and moving from fear to confidence
It was a neurologist in France who recommended sophrology to me. As a French person, I knew what he was talking about, but as a scientist, I was very sceptical. Still, I gave it a try.
Within a few weeks of practice, I literally transformed as a person. I went from being constantly anxious and worried to feeling in control and confident that I could deal with whatever would come.
My days and nights were no longer consumed by fear of the next relapse. Instead, I was enjoying life again, having regained trust and confidence in myself.
By simply incorporating some mind-body tools into my life as a new habit, I completely changed my relationship with uncertainty.
This is how I am now. I’m not going to say that every day is easy. As a business owner, I face the same challenges as others, plus having to manage my health. But the way I deal with decision- making, responsibility, and uncertainty is very different from how it used to be.
I now tap into my own self-belief and confidence. It gives me the energy and courage to persevere and to navigate challenges with more peace and optimism.
A different way to deal with uncertainty
This is what I now help others develop.
Because whether it’s a chronic illness or the demands of running a business, uncertainty is always part of the picture.
You can’t remove it, but you can learn how to handle the pressure differently. It’s a skill.
Instead of living in constant worry, you can develop a sense of grounding and trust in yourself and in your life.
Instead of being driven by fear, you can start to lead and live with more calm and clarity.
And that makes a real difference in your sense of wellbeing and your capacity to lead.
If you’re navigating chronic illness while running a business, here is a simple next step
If you’re managing a chronic illness and also carrying the responsibility of a business or a leadership role, and you recognise that constant background tension, this work could support you.
If this resonates, you can explore my programmes or get in touch. I offer a free consultation to help you see what would support you best.
You can book a time with me via my website. I’d love to help you.