Simone Giangiordano discovered the profound power of "I can't” as she struggled to sit upright while a sales consultant pitched a $10,000 plan promising the business growth she desired. Juggling chronic pain and health issues during her nearly two-decade career, she'd become adept at 'managing' it all – working as a business systems analyst for corporate America, earning her MBA, and running her own business. But putting her health on the back burner had taken its toll as Simone struggled to conceal her pain and discomfort that day.
Simone Giangiordano, BalanceUP Business and Lifestyle Coach
What the consultant did next would change the trajectory of Simone’s life: He refused to take her money.
Unable to overlook Simone's evident struggle, the consultant spoke the truth she could no longer ignore: "Your mind and spirit are great, but until you learn how to take care of your health, you are NEVER going to achieve the success you desire."
That night marked a pivotal decision. Simone chose to shut down her business for the third and final time in the initial five years of her entrepreneurial journey. What seemed like defeat became a defining moment of transformation, teaching her the art of honoring her well-being. Simone has emerged as a business leader who has a profound understanding of building a sustainable business that prioritizes compassionate self-care.
By the time she relaunched her business, it was a testament to resilience. Simone had crafted a sustainable marketing company through systemization, outsourcing, and automation. Her journey was the catalyst for creating the BalanceUP Community, where Simone guides and supports business owners facing chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders. Her mission extends beyond business success; it's about disrupting the labels society places on those battling illnesses.
How did you shift your focus to prioritize your happiness and well-being by listening to your body?
Previously, attempting to work at a desk was a painful ordeal, making it challenging to concentrate and be productive. Recognizing the excruciating pain, I decided to tune into my body, acknowledging that pushing through the pain or other symptoms only hindered my productivity and my ability to serve my clients, manage my pain, and grow my business.
I discovered that dedicating time solely to listening to and supporting my body could instigate a profound shift. It meant stepping back from business, work, and social engagements during those moments of pain.
The 'how' of this transformative journey involved understanding the true impact of neglecting symptoms. It required openness to awareness, allowing myself to be fully conscious of the challenges, and accepting that it's okay to adopt a different approach. This process evolved into recognizing and managing 'red flags,' prioritizing not just happiness but a genuine desire to thrive and contribute positively to both personal and professional spheres.
How can individuals enhance their ability to listen to their body and intuition?
Embracing the "Power of the Pause” — whether it's taking a couple of minutes, a few days, or even a year, this mindful approach involves slowing down. It requires a shift from rushing through life to being aware of every moment and of the signals your body is sharing.
Another crucial aspect is recognizing which signals represent boundaries to protect your well-being. Upon establishing those boundaries, listening to your inner compass becomes the guiding principle.
Acknowledging societal and cultural norms, especially in a work setting where self-employment often means doing things differently, is key.
In my line of work, catering to individuals who require flexibility and building a business around uncertainties is the norm. Communicating boundaries, such as the need for a day off, involves upfront communication through agreements and contracts.
Boundaries, in essence, become a powerful tool to honor personal needs. For instance, setting a limit of six hours of work a day can significantly enhance business growth. Working during peak performance hours, rather than pushing through the entire day, yields far better results.
Understanding your own needs is a critical component. What financial goals drive your decisions? Are these decisions aligned with your values and beliefs? Consider the lifestyle you genuinely desire.
When it comes to relationships, especially with friends, knowing your needs and staying true to yourself is paramount. This authenticity, coupled with self-compassion, is akin to having a strong back and a soft front. It naturally paves the way for advocating for yourself in a healthy and authentic manner.
What practices can help develop self-compassion?
It starts with being mindful and acknowledging the difficulties or challenges you are facing. Incorporating practices such as journaling and meditation can serve as a way to check in with yourself and develop the awareness to be kind to yourself in thoughts and actions.
From there, as your awareness expands, you can begin to share the same kindness with yourself as you would a dear friend or loved one. Incorporating loving-kindness and self-compassion in this manner is instrumental in shifting your relationship with your health, self, and others.
How has your daily life transformed from the challenging stages of pushing through pain to the present?
In the initial phase, I was pushing through and ignoring my body's warnings, even enduring weeks of being completely bedridden. I'd drag myself to work, grappling with pain post-injury, and despite achieving success in my professional endeavors, it came at a significant personal cost.
The turning point came during the recovery phase when I made the bold decision to shut down my business for the third time, shifting my focus entirely to health. This phase involved a daily routine of massages, heat, medicine, pain relief, and physical therapy – hours dedicated to healing and personal growth, starting with acceptance.
Transitioning from there, I realized the consistency of life lies in our daily actions.
Living a life in recovery, I constantly questioned whether I was aligning my actions with my intentions, making it an intention-based journey.
Fast forward to today, my life is a vibrant mix of joyous walks with my loving husband, indulging in curiosity by collecting seashells, dancing in the wind, and sharing laughter. On other days, I dive deep into the lives and businesses of my clients, serving as both a teacher and a healer. I still have to take days to rest and not push myself, but every day is an opportunity to be an example for others, helping them overcome obstacles and embrace their true selves.
What are some strategies for overcoming self-judgment and criticism?
When judgmental and critical thoughts arise the first step is to acknowledge the thoughts and let them go. Practicing awareness and releasing judgment allows you to accept, even embrace the challenges and limitations you are facing. Ultimately, acknowledging what you can’t currently do without negative consequences frees you to find new solutions that work for you… so that you can. When we try too hard to shift or to push through what is not working, it can be too much pressure.
If I catch myself having a critical thought such as: "I wish I had been more productive today" instead of judgment I honor the intention behind that statement. Maybe I wish I could be more productive but It's about recognizing the fact I need rest so I can do more tomorrow. Recognizing your own suffering and letting go of denial around that suffering allows you to be more kind to yourself. Remember that your health challenges do not define you. If anything, it draws attention to your humanness because everyone experiences suffering at some point.
In what ways do you advocate for others who have chronic illness or health challenges?
I raise awareness for others to talk more openly about their health challenges and to remove societal stigmas. I help others develop confidence to foster their uniqueness over societal norms, to set boundaries around one's life and business to support one's well-being, and through self-compassion. I help my clients develop tools to become more resilient, kinder to themselves, and to be better equipped with the courage to stand up for themselves in sharing needs with family, friends, workplace, or doctors.
How important is self-acceptance in fostering personal growth and well-being?
In the pursuits of personal development and well-being, self-acceptance is the essential ingredient. When absent, we inadvertently give our power to external forces—be it others, societal norms, or cultural expectations. The result? Operating from a weakened state and feeling disempowered and alienated.
A simple truth: "Everything gives us energy or drains it." This principle is amplified in the absence of self-acceptance, where the lack of it feels depleting. The key is not to resist or push away thoughts but to acknowledge them. A mere thought is something we can release, freeing ourselves from unnecessary burdens.
Empowerment becomes possible when self-acceptance takes center stage. It's an honest acknowledgment of meeting ourselves where we are, void of self-deprecation. Importantly, this doesn't diminish one's work or personal identity. Health challenges, instead of defining an individual, become facets of a broader, more resilient self. In the continuum of personal growth, self-acceptance weaves the threads that lead to authenticity, strength, and a holistic sense of well-being.
Can you offer guidance on finding balance in a busy and demanding world?
Inner balance starts with slowing down, practicing self-compassion, and aligning with true needs. First, we have to come into awareness of what our true needs are. This includes our true financial and material needs so we are not endlessly stressed about having what we need. It requires courage to do things differently, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to enjoying the process of living. It also comes down to connecting with your purpose and working toward that purpose daily. Then committing to the process of living and recognizing the beauty we are here to experience in this world. Pausing to honor our own curiosity, resilience, and ability to embrace uncertainty incorporates a sense of awe and gratitude that cultivates more peace and joy in our lives.
How has a compassionate approach to business benefited the clients you work with?
It is a joy to see my clients transform from a place of overwhelm and stress to running their businesses from a place of calm. They are ultimately able to work more productively and effectively in their businesses even if it means slowing down at first. Slowing down allows them to restructure their priorities, mindset and incorporate rest into their schedules. This results in working with greater efficiency, clarity, and productivity as well as better systems tailored to a client's specific needs and capabilities. They also have better boundaries that are the result of evaluating their business model and working strategically.
