Hey ,

Just the other day, I threw my back out doing something I thought would help me; jumping on a trampoline to strengthen my core.

Fifteen minutes of fun + good music = fine.

Feeding the dogs = still fine.

But stepping into the shower? Bam. Pain. Deep, familiar, and serious.

I’ve felt this before while on vacation in Italy, and it was debilitating. I was miserable the entire time.

This time, I had important travel coming up that couldn’t be moved, so I spent the rest of the day in bed:

- icing my back

- trying to find any position that didn’t hurt

- battling nausea and taking pain meds

How many of us high-achievers find it hard to stay in bad, not moving, when there is so much to do?

Now, here's the twist: I also had a manicure appointment scheduled. Not just any manicure, a specialized Russian manicure that I book weeks in advance. It was for a photoshoot and part of my overall brand presence. I couldn’t be rescheduled until after my trip.

Was it practical? Maybe not.

Was it important to me? Absolutely.

So I made it a priority.

I stayed in bed. I got a good night’s sleep, sort of. But, I at least found a position that didn’t keep me awake and writhing in pain.

I managed to take a shower. It was slow and painful, but hey, baby steps.

Next was to drink some broth with crackers so that I would have something to help digest the meds.

And, I was ready to go. My amazing husband even came with me for support during the two-hour appointment (he’s a gem).

Here’s the leadership lesson:

We all say we don’t have time.

But when something really matters to us, we find a way.

Even with a thrown-out back and a bottle of ibuprofen nearby.

Whether it’s your health, your appearance, your brand, your people, or your commitments, priorities aren’t just about what’s urgent. They’re about what’s important to you.

As Jen Sincero, author of You are a Badass says: “Time comes to those who make it. Not to those who try and find it.”

We either make excuses or we find a way.

So… what are you making time for this week?

All the best,

P.S. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and join my Optimize Your Life Facebook Group for additional support.