How to Develop a Wellbeing-First Mindset and Why it Is Essential

The Problem

Think briefly about times when you have sacrificed your wellbeing for others.

Perhaps you said yes to a social engagement even though you were exhausted. Or you might have taken on another work project while already working at full capacity and ended up working evenings and weekends.

Sacrificing your wellbeing for others usually seems like a good idea at the time. But sometimes, we have to do things we don’t want to—life is complicated.

Unfortunately, the cumulative effect of constantly neglecting your wellbeing to serve others is usually burnout.

There’s some irony here because being burnt out leaves you unable to help anyone.

What is a Wellbeing-First Mindset?

If you adopt a wellbeing-first mindset — that is, you put yourself first and prioritise your wellbeing — you will be better able to help others. Furthermore, you’ll be happier and more productive.

Some actions that demonstrate a wellbeing-first mindset are:

• Saying no to a weeknight work social event and having an early night because you are going away at the weekend, and you want to prioritise that.