Success in business isn’t just about strategy, market trends, or financial planning — it’s also about maintaining peak physical and mental health, so you’re in the best shape to make the best decisions. Lawrence Krimker, a former EY Entrepreneur of the Year, has long championed the link between personal well-being and professional success. Here are his top strategies for staying healthy to maximize your business potential.
1. Prioritize Physical Fitness: The Foundation of Productivity
Staying physically active is central to maintaining high energy levels, mental clarity, and resilience in the face of business challenges. Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health, boosts mood through endorphin release, and improves sleep quality.
Krimker emphasizes scheduling fitness sessions into a daily routine, much like scheduling work calls or business meetings. This disciplined approach ensures consistency. He suggests choosing activities that are both enjoyable and challenging, whether it’s weight training, running, or group sports. Even busy entrepreneurs can fit in short, high-intensity workouts to maintain energy and focus.
2. Eat with Purpose: Nutrition as an Investment
Nutrition fuels both body and mind. Krimker believes in mindful eating that emphasizes nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Balanced nutrition sustains energy, sharpens mental focus, and reduces midday slumps.
Meal prepping can be a game-changer for busy professionals, he says. Having ready-to-eat, healthy meals on hand prevents reliance on unhealthy fast food and reduces decision fatigue — a key consideration when making countless business decisions daily.
3. Use Supplements Wisely: Filling Nutritional Gaps
Even with a balanced diet, maintaining optimal nutrient levels can be challenging. Supplements can play a critical role in filling nutritional gaps and enhancing performance. Entrepreneurs should consult healthcare and fitness professionals to identify specific needs, ensuring they invest in quality, evidence-backed products.
Krimker’s expertise in the supplements industry has reinforced his belief that targeted supplementation can be an effective tool for sustained energy, immune support, and overall health maintenance.
4. Master Mental Health: The Ultimate Business Edge
Mental wellness is as critical as physical health for long-term success. Stress management, emotional resilience, and mental clarity can determine how effectively entrepreneurs navigate high-pressure situations.
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking breaks during the workday can reduce stress and prevent burnout. Entrepreneurs should also seek support from mental health professionals when needed — as should everyone — recognizing that emotional well-being is essential for sound business decision-making.
5. Commit to Rest and Recovery: Recharge for Peak Performance
Sleep is often overlooked but is crucial for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. Business leaders should aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to maximize their productivity and creativity.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine, which could include limiting screen time, maintaining a dark, cool sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques, can improve sleep quality and enhance next-day performance.
6. Build Healthy Habits: Discipline and Consistency
Sustained success comes from small, consistent actions over time. Developing habits like regular exercise, balanced meals, and scheduled downtime creates a routine that supports long-term health.
Krimker advises viewing health as a non-negotiable business investment. Just as entrepreneurs set business goals, they should also set health goals and track progress regularly.
7. Lead by Example: Inspiring a Healthy Workplace
Entrepreneurs who prioritize their health set a powerful example for their teams. A culture of wellness in the workplace promotes higher employee engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
Leaders can encourage workplace wellness by offering health benefits, organizing fitness challenges, or simply promoting work-life balance through flexible scheduling.
8. Stay Informed: Evolving with Industry Trends
The health and wellness industry is dynamic, with continuous advancements in nutrition science, fitness, and mental health support. Staying informed about emerging health trends can inspire personal growth while sparking innovative business ideas.
Achieving Sustainable Success
Krimker’s approach to health is both practical and strategic. By prioritizing well-being, businesspeople can unlock greater creativity, resilience, and productivity — essential ingredients for sustained success. Investing in personal health is not just about living better, it’s about leading better, building stronger businesses, and achieving long-term professional fulfillment.
