For executive women, there is often a narrative related to health and work that consistently separates the body’s needs from what work demands. No woman with ambitious goals is immune. When you want big things to happen, you’re willing to put in the time and effort and our society tells us that hard work is necessary so we don’t think it should feel any different. Sacrificing sleep and exercise to put in time at work will serve your career to an extent, but it won't give you career stamina or enjoyment in life. Part of the antidote is to strengthen your Internal Observer.

The Internal Observer is not a positive voice. It is a neutral observer. It notices. It doesn’t judge thoughts or feelings as being either positive or negative. It just notices that the thoughts or feelings are there.  

Action Step: When you find yourself feeling angry or resentful toward others, worried or afraid of what might happen, or when you feel ashamed, recognize the thoughts you’re having as pretty negative and wildly unhelpful. Choose to dial them down. Look for the referee in the game — the one I call your Internal Observer. Ask your Observer what’s really going on and listen for any suggestions that might come.