We’ve all faced the question of following a passion or a paycheck. What does a Standout follow? Does it have to be either/or? It is a fine line to walk and can be littered with potholes along the way, including mental health struggles. Stress and pressure have the potential to either refine us or break us. Dr. Alexander Bacher is here to help us understand the difference between being a human being and a human doing. Dr. Bacher is a former Wall Street Investment Banker who decided to pass on what was recommended, even on an offer from the CIA. He is a Clinical Phycologist, specializing in drugs and addiction, and has traveled to over 103 countries. He received his BA in Phycology from Georgetown before pursuing his grad studies at Pepperdine University. He is also an author, speaker, and performance and wellness coach with the goal to be a transformational change maker. It is not easy to break free of the mindset that judges success by money and possessions. Studies have shown there is a negligible increase in happiness when individuals make more than 70K, regardless of the amount. While you are discovering what you want to do, take the time to try new things. Success isn’t just what you make and have, but your ability to be authentically you. Who we are authentically is different than who we are as a result of our social, religious, and relational programming. Connecting with our inner guidance system and discovering what is best for us makes a huge difference in true success. Another potential battlefield is that of mental health. It is one of the most important and often overlooks aspects of our lives. The average individual is chasing after the “dream” of success based on money, prestige, and things; it opens the door to social comparison. It can lead to the assumption that we are less worthy of love and value if we don’t have x, y, or z. We need to focus on instilling the correct values in our core; like compassion, cooperation, community, and self-care. Self-care is paramount to leading. It is simply the intentional investment in things that are meaningful and restorative to yourself. Care for yourself first, and you can care for others. What we fill ourselves with and the inputs we receive from are important. It’s not just what we eat, but what we mentally consume. Don’t let consumer-driven agendas play on your fears and problems. Focus on what is healthy and helpful. Does it motivate you or does it paralyze you? We need community, not isolation. We have to reduce the stigma of mental health and break free of the individual culture that keeps us from the social support and community we desperately need. As individuals, you know who you are. Be true to who you are and take care of who you are. This knowing, coupled with a meaningful pursuit and managing your time effectively, and focusing on what is truly important, will help you overcome stress and mental health issues. If you can take anything away from Dr. Bacher and apply it immediately, it is this: Start being more present. Slow down. Be by yourself and reflect. Do meditation and connect with your inner guidance system. Rise. Shine. Impact. Take care of yourself so you can care for others. Resources Being Human: Reclaiming our True Power and Potential by Dr. Alexander Bacher The Morning Brew The Skimm Connect with Dr. Bacher Website: dralexanderbacher.com Website: beinghumanmovement.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexanderbacher/?hl=en Connect with John: www.standoutmovement.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwstandout
