They say that April showers bring May flowers. Weathering the storm - and facing everything that goes with it - allows us to appreciate what is on the other side. Just like the rain helps plants flourish and grow in the spring, we sometimes have to go through hard times to realize our own personal growth.
It’s fitting that April also brings us Stress Awareness Month. Stress is no stranger hard times. How it shows up and how we each manage stress varies, but self-awareness can help us better prepare to feel more balanced and equipped to deal with the storms.
To find balance within yourself, explore the eight dimensions of wellness, which includes emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual parts. Since all the parts of wellness are interconnected, stress in one area can influence the other dimensions.
To use this model as an introspective tool, begin with a reflection of these wellness dimensions. Which areas are you doing well? Which can you be doing better? Which area takes up most of your time? Which have the potential to give you more energy?
Over time, check in with these dimensions and honestly ask yourself how you’re doing in each area and in the collective cohesion of the parts. This mindfulness can help unlock a new level of self-awareness and understanding that can serve as a balancing strategy and tool during high and low times.
For me, April brings reminders of grief and loss. April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, and I previously shared, my father lost his battle to esophageal cancer last August. The state of my wellness dimensions will continue to shift and be in flux, but it’s a helpful reminder to be present and empathic. And the same goes for whatever storms you may be weathering.
How are you feeling about your wellness dimensions? What is happening that might affect your wellness dimensions? What can you do to balance out your dimensions? Where should you spend more or less time and energy?
LEADERSHIP
Jensen Huang's Unusual Nvidia Management Style 💻
Read here or Watch here
Jensen Huang founded Nvidia in 1993 and has served as its President and CEO since the beginning. Joel Hellermark, Founder and CEO of Sana Labs, sat down with Jensen at an AI summit, and you can read / watch their interesting conversation. It reveals Jensen’s beliefs in transparency and continuous learning, how he empowers his growing team to make speedy decisions, and his unique leadership approach to successfully scaling a flat organizational structure where he has 40 direct reports!
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Top Venture Capital Firms 💰
Read here
You’ve probably heard the term venture capital (VC). This form of investment capital usually comes from firms looking to invest in industry-changing startups and entrepreneurs from early to growth stage that are poised for substantial growth. If you’re exploring VC funding for your startup, use this list to help navigate some of the top VC firms.
INNOVATION
Web3 Innovation Summit 🌐
Register here for April 17
Chicago innovation hub 1871 is hosting a free hybrid event all about about Web3. From keynotes and a pitch showcase, to expert panels and networking, this event on April 17 is ideal for startups, corporate innovators, industry leaders, and investors.
CULTURE
Supporting Work-Life Balance For Yourself & Your Team ⚖️
Register here for April 23
There are many ways to have healthy boundaries between life and work to avoid burnout. Join Purpose Jobs for a free webinar on April 23 to explore the state of work-life balance, the role that leaders can play to support their team, and tangible tips from companies who are intentionally striving to achieve this sense of harmony for their employees.
PERSONAL GROWTH
World Certification Week 🎓
Learn more here
From April 15–19, HubSpot is uniting leaders around the world for a celebration of knowledge and growth! Get ready to learn, gain insights from industry experts, and take advantage of free certifications to help elevate your career, refresh your skills, and increase your professional credibility.