As entrepreneurs, we’re often told to hustle harder, sacrifice more, and put everything on the line for success. But what if the secret to winning wasn’t about doing more, but about doing less—and prioritizing yourself in the process? In Episode 183 of INHABIT with Alessia Citro, I sat down with Nikki Corbett, host of the Round Two Podcast, to discuss why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Nikki shares her journey of embracing health, fitness, and boundaries as abilities for thriving in both business and life. If you’ve ever felt like burnout is the price of success, this conversation will change your perspective.

Why Self-Care Is the Ultimate Business Strategy

Nikki’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “Being selfish is the key to my success.” For her, self-care isn’t about indulgence—it’s about creating a foundation that allows her to show up fully in every area of her life. Whether it’s prioritizing sleep, dialing in her nutrition, or committing to daily movement, Nikki believes that taking care of yourself is the most important investment you can make as an entrepreneur.

She also debunks the myth that self-care is a luxury. “If you don’t value yourself, no one else will,” Nikki says. “You have to set the standard for how others treat you.” This mindset shift is critical for entrepreneurs who often put their businesses, clients, and families ahead of their own needs. Nikki’s approach challenges the hustle culture narrative and offers a healthier, more sustainable path to success.

The Power of Prioritizing Your Health

One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was Nikki’s deep dive into her health journey. At 46, she’s thriving—and she credits much of that to her proactive approach to fitness and wellness. Here are some of her key strategies:

• Weightlifting for Women: Nikki emphasizes the importance of strength training, especially for women. “The idea that lifting weights makes you bulky is total bullshit,” she says. Instead, weightlifting has helped her maintain her energy, build muscle, and feel confident in her body.
• Protein and Nutrition: Nikki discovered she wasn’t getting nearly enough protein in her diet, which was impacting her energy and recovery. By tracking her intake and making adjustments, she’s seen significant improvements in her overall health.
• Biohacking and Hormone Health: From regular blood work to genetic testing, Nikki has taken a data-driven approach to her health. Her goal? To make menopause as seamless as possible and avoid the common pitfalls many women face.

Nikki’s commitment to her health isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good and performing at her best. “Your health is your greatest business asset,” she says. “If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re building on a house of cards.”

Breaking the Myths About Selfishness

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Nikki’s redefinition of selfishness. For her, being “selfish” isn’t about neglecting others—it’s about ensuring you have the energy, focus, and clarity to serve others effectively. “Being selfish means I can show up fully for my clients, my family, and my work,” she explains. “It’s not about taking from others; it’s about giving to yourself so you can give more to the world.”

This mindset is especially important for women, who are often conditioned to put everyone else’s needs first. Nikki challenges this narrative, encouraging listeners to set boundaries, say no when necessary, and prioritize their own well-being. “If you’re constantly running on empty, you’re not doing anyone any favors,” she says.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

If you’re ready to embrace self-care as a success strategy, here are some actionable takeaways from my conversation with Nikki:

• Prioritize Sleep: Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
• Commit to Movement: Whether it’s weightlifting, walking, or yoga, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it.
• Track Your Nutrition: Pay attention to your protein intake and consider working with a professional to optimize your diet.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and protect your time and energy.
• Invest in Your Health: From regular check-ups to biohacking abilities, take a proactive approach to your well-being.

Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs

At the end of the day, your business is only as strong as you are. By prioritizing self-care, you’re not just improving your health—you’re setting yourself up for long-term success. Nikki’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between taking care of yourself and achieving your goals. In fact, the two go hand in hand.

So, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, take a page from Nikki’s playbook: put yourself first. Your business—and your life—will thank you for it.

Call-to-Action

Ready to start prioritizing yourself? Tune in to the full episode for more insights and actionable tips. You can listen to Episode 183 on Apple Podcasts or watch / listen on Spotify. And if you found this episode valuable, please leave a rating and review—it helps us reach more listeners like you!

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