Awake at 1-3am? The Importance of Finding Balance: Embracing Elation and Avoiding Depression

Chris Walker discusses how the need for elation and avoiding depression drives people, particularly entrepreneurs, to seek excitement and stimulation. He emphasizes the importance of having someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to as key factors for a fulfilled life and to avoid waking up at 1-3 AM with doubt. Chris shares personal anecdotes, including his divorce and career changes, illustrating how doubt and lack of future vision can lead to emotional turmoil. He stresses the value of spirituality and the concept of emptiness as essential for mental peace, advocating for moments of stillness and introspection to clear doubts and find balance.

Summary “The Importance of Finding Balance: Embracing Elation and Avoiding Depression”

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. Today, I want to share some insights from the comfort of my office, touching on a topic that’s incredibly important for entrepreneurs and executives alike: the balance between elation and depression, and how to navigate it effectively.

Full Audio is here on Soundcloud.

The Entrepreneurial Appetite for Elation

Reflecting on the countless people I’ve coached, a common thread among successful executives and entrepreneurs is their insatiable appetite for excitement. These individuals thrive on adrenaline, constantly seeking new challenges and pushing their limits. They love the thrill of the chase and the competitive nature of their work. However, this high-energy lifestyle often leads to sleep insomnia and a chemicalized body that craves more stimulation.

The Four Appetites: Dietary, Greed, Sexuality, and Spirituality

Elation comes in various forms: dietary consumption (sugar, alcohol, drugs), greed (the drive for more), sexuality (approval, acceptance), and spirituality (seeking highs through practices like yoga and meditation). Each of these appetites serves as an antidote to depression, but they can also become addictive and destructive if not managed properly.

The Role of Doubt and the Need for a Coach

Doubt is a significant factor that disrupts our balance and wakes us up at 2 AM. Entrepreneurs, in particular, are prone to doubt as they constantly push boundaries and seek new opportunities. This is where having a coach becomes invaluable. At Innerwealth Coaching, we focus on Nature’s Universal Laws to help clients navigate these challenges, clear their doubts, and maintain a healthy balance between elation and depression.

Embracing Emptiness and Finding Real Peace

One profound lesson I’ve learned is the importance of embracing emptiness. In our busy lives, taking time to experience nothingness can be incredibly grounding. It’s about sitting on a beach, doing nothing, and being okay with it. This practice helps clear doubts and provides a respite from the constant drive for more.

My Personal Journey and the Power of Spirituality

After my first divorce, I turned to spirituality to cope with the massive depression I was experiencing. Studying Zen, Tibetan medicine, and various spiritual practices provided an elated state of mind. However, I realized that spirituality should not be the sole focus of life but rather a tool to support us through tough times.

The Three Essential Ingredients for a Fulfilled Life

To avoid waking up at 2 AM with doubt, having three things is crucial: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. These elements align with having a vision, inspiration, and purpose—principles I often emphasize in my coaching sessions.

Conclusion

Incorporating these principles into your life can significantly improve your ability to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Embracing balance, clearing doubts, and having a coach to guide you through the complexities of life can help you achieve true fulfilment. If any part of this resonates with you, consider exploring Innerwealth Coaching for a deeper dive into how these concepts can transform your life.

Stay REAL and embrace the journey.