In this motivational monologue, Erika Jones, CFO of CCTA, argues that an entrepreneur’s physical health is directly linked to the health of their business. She shares personal anecdotes about her own fitness routine, the discipline required to exercise even when it isn’t enjoyable, and the immediate boost in mood and confidence she feels after a workout. Jones explains how caring for one’s body—through regular cardio, strength training, limiting alcohol, and prioritising sleep—creates vitality, energy, clearer thinking, and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, all of which translate into better business performance. She recounts quitting drinking two years ago, with occasional exceptions when socialising with her partner Krista, and describes how alcohol disrupted her sleep and mental clarity. Jones also emphasizes the critical role of sleep, citing fitness expert JJ Virgin’s advice to lift heavy, consume plenty of protein, and sleep whenever tired. Throughout, she frames health habits as disciplined actions that mirror the necessary, sometimes unglamorous, tasks required to run a successful business, concluding that personal health care is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.
Chapters
What is the biggest determinant of a successful entrepreneur? That's a loaded question. But I said in my conclusion, I see a correlation between someone caring for their health and the health of the business. A direct correlation. So someone who physically cares for themselves generally has the healthiest business. I said, and the reason I believe this to be true is I don't enjoy exercise. I don't get up and say, oh, my God, I can't wait to lift weights today. This is gonna be a great day. But my mind says the best thing I can do for myself is elevate my heart and get some strong cardio going today to really stress my muscle, my skeletal system is the best thing I can do. So I do. I will tell you when I do feel great. It's the second it's done. I'm like, that was a great workout. Yeah, I really got pumped today, or did whatever. I feel good about myself and the rest of the day. Like, today feels great because I worked out this morning. And realize in business, there are certain things we have to do that are necessary but are not joyful. Like, not everything's fun, but some are necessary. And people who understand that discipline by caring for themselves do the same for their business. But there's always other benefits. You know, health gives vitality, strength, energy, better thought. All those things, we just are clicking and going, right? Reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression goes away or is reduced. Yeah, that's huge. Right? And that's what we're talking about. Mental health here goes away. I also stopped drinking about two years ago. Except my rule is if I'm with Krista and she wants to have a bottle of wine or something like that, I will have a cocktail or drink with her. Or if I'm with some friends and she's present, I'll do it. But otherwise, you've seen before, I got hairy a few times with booze, and I didn't like that about myself. It was disrupting your sleep, too. Did he had just one or two beers. Watching the football game the whole night. I wouldn't sleep well. So I said, you know what? It's going to stop drinking. My God, I feel so much better. We went on this. This trip, though, with. With my college buddies and. And everyone's wife and stuff. And they're like, my one friend's making some cocktails. So I'm like, absolutely, I'm in. So we have some. It was great. That night. Slept like. And I'm like, you know what? This is why I don't do it. This is why I don't do it. Yeah. And sleep is incredibly important for your mental well being. I'm so into sleep. I believe this is. Again, I'm not a scientist here or a doctor, but I believe there's direct correlation between your health, how you care for your health and your mental health. So physical workouts, drinking, not doing it, and also sleep. So I'm so into sleep. JJ Virgin, who's a fitness expert, said, if you want to be healthy, lift heavy things, consume lots of protein, that builds muscle, and sleep like a baby. And what she meant is, when you feel tired, get that sleep whenever you can. Don't push it off, just fall asleep on the couch. But sleep.
