Entrepreneurial Insights from Tracy Rodriguez

Today, I had the honor of sitting down with Tracy Rodriguez, the founder of Heal with Tracy, for an enlightening interview. Tracy is a hypermobility health coach and corrective exercise specialist who teaches entrepreneurs how to create a life and business that nurtures their well-being rather than draining it.

Understanding Hypermobile Health: A Conversation with Tracy Rodriguez

In our conversation, Tracy explained her role as a hypermobility health coach. She leads a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and registered dietitians, focusing on helping individuals with hypermobility disorders, particularly Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Tracy herself has EDS and shared her journey from being bedridden to building a successful coaching business that empowers others facing similar challenges.

The Intersection of Health and Entrepreneurship

Tracy emphasized the connection between health and entrepreneurship.

Many entrepreneurs operate on the brink of burnout. We have a tendency to neglect our health in pursuit of success—not even always the pursuit of success, sometimes we are just stuck in the treadmill of our own to-do lists and we don’t pause to take care of ourselves.

When was the last time you sat down at your laptop to check your email really quick, and several hours later realized you hadn’t even eaten all day?

Arianna Huffington, for example, was once a victim of this relentless drive. After collapsing from exhaustion and breaking her cheekbone, she had a profound realization. This wake-up call led her to prioritize her health and ultimately found Thrive Global, a company dedicated to well-being and performance. In her book “The Sleep Revolution,” Huffington explores the critical importance of sleep for productivity and health, underscoring the necessity of caring for oneself even in the pursuit of ambitious goals.

Similarly, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, has long understood the need for balance. Despite the demands of his business empire, Branson maintains a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing physical activity. He often shares insights on how staying active helps him remain focused and productive, demonstrating that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being.

Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Workweek,” offers another compelling example. Ferriss practices biohacking and shares strategies for optimizing health and performance in his podcast and books. His approach includes meditation, diet optimization, and strategic rest, proving that even in a high-pressure environment, one can maintain health and achieve peak performance.

I could go on and on.

This is why Tracy’s message is so important—there are simply too many examples of entrepreneurs having to learn to take care of themselves the hard way.

Tracy advocates for creating a business that aligns with your unique brain and body needs, allowing for a more balanced and fulfilling life.

5 Quick Tips for Maintaining Your Health While Running a Business:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get enough rest each night to rejuvenate your body and mind. Consider creating a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
2. Stay Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking short breaks for a walk or engaging in more structured exercise like yoga or gym workouts.
3. Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients to fuel your body. Small, frequent meals rich in protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.
4. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits on your work hours. Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific times for work and rest, ensuring you have downtime to recharge.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Regularly take time to reflect on your goals and ensure they align with your well-being.

That’s it, easy right?

So easy that it almost sounds made up, but it’s not.

And by integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can create a sustainable balance between health and entrepreneurship, leading to long-term success and fulfillment.

The Importance of Advocacy in Health

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of self-advocacy in health. Tracy shared her experiences with medical professionals who dismissed her symptoms, which meant she had to be her own advocate.

If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to seek answers and fight for your health.

You can start by making sure you’re prepared thoroughly for any doctor visits. Write down your symptoms, questions, and concerns beforehand so you don’t leave any out or forget in the moment. If you sometimes feel uncomfortable asking questions, try practicing a few times before you go in for your appointment.

Also, bring a health history document that summarizes your medical conditions, medications, and treatments with you, especially if it’s your first visit with a doctor, so you can give them a comprehensive view of your health without having to memorize every detail.

And as much as I hate to say it, understanding medical terminology can also empower you during medical appointments. You can use resources like MedlinePlus to familiarize yourself with medical terms and conditions. And if your doctor uses words you’re not sure of during your visit, don’t hesitate to ask them to explain them in simple language. Clear communication is vital to ensuring you fully understand your health status and treatment options.

Seeking second opinions is another important aspect of self-advocacy. If you feel uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan, consult another healthcare provider for a second opinion. Services like Best Doctors can facilitate these consultations, providing additional insights and helping you make informed decisions about your health.

Being a self-advocate means becoming more proactive and informed, ensuring that your needs and concerns are adequately addressed. Your doctor’s job is to take care of you and to answer your questions and address your concerns when you have them.

Your job is to make sure they’re doing their job.

Trauma and its Effects on Health

Tracy also discussed the significant correlation between trauma and health issues, explaining how trauma can trigger immune responses that exacerbate existing conditions, leading to a downward spiral of health problems. This insight is crucial for entrepreneurs who may not realize the impact of their emotional well-being on their physical health.

Trauma can lead to long-term changes in the body’s stress response system, affecting hormones, immune function, and even the brain. Studies have shown that trauma can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, for example, found a strong link between childhood trauma and long-term health outcomes. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” also explains how trauma affects the brain and body, offering valuable insights into trauma recovery.

For those looking to understand more about trauma and its effects, there are several resources available. Books like “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk and “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine provide in-depth information on trauma and recovery. Articles from sources like Psychology Today and the National Institute of Mental Health offer accessible overviews of trauma-related topics. Organizations such as the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care and the Trauma Recovery Network provide support and resources for individuals affected by trauma.

Understanding the profound impact of trauma on health is essential for entrepreneurs striving to maintain their well-being. By recognizing and addressing the effects of trauma, individuals can take proactive steps toward healing and improved health.

Tips for Overcoming Burnout

If you’re experiencing burnout, Tracy offers several practical tips to help you regain your energy and focus:

1. Stabilize Your Immune System:
   • Meal Ideas: Snack on nuts, seeds, and lean protein sources like chicken or tofu throughout the day.
   • Further Reading: Harvard Health: Foods That Fight Inflammation
2. Daily Movement:
   • Types of Movement: Incorporate yoga, stretching, or light cardio exercises like walking or cycling.
   • Further Reading: Mayo Clinic: Exercise – A Key to Better Health
3. Hydration:
   • Hydration Tips: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to your water for added flavor and nutrients.
   • Further Reading: Healthline: 6 Reasons to Drink Water
4. Set Boundaries:
   • Strategies: Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific times for work and rest.
   • Further Reading: Forbes: How Setting Boundaries Can Boost Your Well-Being
5. Investigate the Why:
   • Understanding Burnout: Reflect on your workload, personal life, and stressors to identify burnout triggers.
   • Further Reading: Psychology Today: Understanding Burnout

Building a Generous Brand

Tracy’s approach to social media and brand building is rooted in generosity, which is something that I whole-heartedly endorse. When you show up for people and you give them value and you help them without any expectation of return, they will show up for you.

Tracy emphasized the importance of giving value like this upfront, rather than solely seeking to sell. By providing helpful content and insights, she has built a loyal following and established trust within her community. She’s proven she can help them by actually helping them.

The good news is, if you’re just starting out and you need some help on building an effective and generous brand, there are a tone of resources that you’ll find really helpful.

Resources on Effective Brand-Building Strategies

• Books:
  • “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
  • “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” by Gary Vaynerchuk
• Articles:
  • HubSpot: How to Build a Brand
  • Entrepreneur: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Personal Brand

Key Strategies for Growing Your Brand

If you’re looking to grow your brand, start by educating yourself. Follow content creation coaches who can teach you how to produce engaging and high-quality content. This knowledge will enable you to craft messages that resonate with your audience and stand out in a crowded market.

Authenticity is also crucial. Share your truth and connect with your audience on a personal level. Being genuine helps build trust and fosters a loyal following who values your transparency and integrity.

Finally, embrace automation to streamline your processes. By automating repetitive tasks, you can reduce burnout and focus on more strategic aspects of your business, allowing for sustainable growth. Implementing automation tools can help you manage your workload more efficiently, giving you more time to engage with your audience and expand your brand.

The Power of Understanding Neurodivergence

Tracy highlights the importance of understanding neurodivergence and its impact on health and entrepreneurship. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, we can create supportive environments that foster success.

Signs of Neurodivergence

If you suspect you might be neurodivergent, consider these signs:

• Overwhelm: Feeling more overwhelmed than others in similar situations.
• Social Challenges: Difficulty in social settings or feeling out of place.
• Organizational Issues: Struggling with organization, time management, or forgetfulness.

Prioritizing Yourself: The Key to Avoiding Burnout

A significant theme in our conversation with Tracy is the importance of prioritizing oneself. Tracy encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being above external demands. This is crucial for those experiencing burnout, as they often tend to be nurturing and selfless individuals.

The Concept of Accommodation

Tracy introduces the idea of a “household of accommodation,” where family members support each other’s needs. This approach fosters joy and reduces stress. Here’s what it looks like in practice:

• Open Communication: Discuss feelings and needs openly with family members.
• Flexible Solutions: Adapt your lifestyle to accommodate individual needs, such as homeschooling if traditional schooling is overwhelming.
• No Pressure: Allow family members to take time for themselves without expectations or guilt.

By creating an accommodating environment, families can thrive together, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.

Final Thoughts on How to Prioritize Your Health for Business Success

As our conversation with Tracy Rodriguez illustrates, prioritizing your health is essential for sustainable success in entrepreneurship. By understanding your unique needs and advocating for yourself, you can create a thriving business that aligns with your well-being.

If you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. Take small steps towards self-care and seek support when needed. Your health is the foundation of your business, and investing in it will lead to greater success in the long run.

For more insights from Tracy Rodriguez, be sure to follow her on social media and explore her programs designed to help you navigate your health challenges while thriving as an entrepreneur. Don’t forget to check out her program at healwithtracy.com and use the code CRAFT for a free month of membership!

Listen to the Podcast Episode: From Bedridden to Millionaire!