Being sick

> *Health is not valued till sickness comes.*
> – Thomas Fuller

Dear friend,

This week, I found myself battling an array of symptoms: headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, aching limbs, and fever.

I felt horrible.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t the symptoms that bothered me the most; it was the daunting 20 meetings I had scheduled this week.

Meetings with customers, investors, potential hires, advisors.

While not every one of these 20 meetings was crucial, the majority certainly were.

I’m grateful. It was a successful week.

First employee signed. Amazing 3rd cofounder finally joined. The most important customer wants to proceed. 2 more investors want to deep dive into my startup. Advisors provided valuable input regarding public financing instruments.

But it was a stretch. Painkillers became my lifeline during this trying time. And despite >10 hours of bedtime per day I was tired all day long.

It was worth it though.

When I look back 60 years from now, I won’t have any regrets about pushing through the pain and giving my all. But I’ll be proud that I truly lived my values.

Indeed. My health suffered this week.

The reason why I prioritize health over almost any other area of my life when I’m not sick.

Doing sports, eating healthily, restricting alcohol, sleeping >8 hours per day, doing mental health exercises, taking supplements, etc.

All these things allow me to perform – even when I’m sick.

When there is one thing I learned this week: Health is paramount. And we only acknowledge this fact when it’s usually too late.

How do you take care of your health?