Thrive Global: How Changing Your Mindset Can Change Your Life

The secret to success? According to Jim Curtis, Chief Revenue Officer, Head of Brand and Head Coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), it starts with brushing your teeth with the opposite hand.

Jim knows exactly how challenging that journey can seem. He began his career on the American Stock Exchange when he was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and he devoted himself to discovering what could help him feel better. And the most powerful tool became his mindset. Optimizing your mindset allows you to optimize the other key facets of your health: fitness, nutrition, relationships, spirituality and your career.

What sparked your interest in integrative health? How did your journey unfold?
Twenty-two years ago, I was a trader on the American Stock Exchange. At that time, I was working to treat what became a chronic illness. I started to investigate wellness tools, many of them integrative and non-traditional, to help me feel better in any way that I could. Eventually, I went to help develop the company that we now know as WebMD! I’ve traveled all over the world being treated by different wellness practitioners to learn as much as I can to manage my illness while also living as vibrant and fulfilling a life as possible.

You’re a long-standing leader in health and wellness. What habits should more people begin, or continue to develop, to foster success in all areas of their life?

Practice mindfulness every day. The science behind mindfulness is abundant – it helps reduce the ‘fight or flight’ stress response that so many of us are used to in today’s modern workplace; it helps regulate heart rate for better heart health. It even helps us manage chronic pain. When you become more mindful, you not only better maintain your physical health, but your mental and emotional health as well, ultimately supporting success in all areas of your life.

Switch up your routines. When you change your routine, you grow new neural pathways in the brain, called neurogenesis. This can actually reprogram your brain! Switching up our routines may seem simple, but the underlying work happening in your brain is profound. The new neural pathways formed can actually help you boost your creativity and problem-solving skills and foster success!

How can mindset optimize all other aspects of our health? What are some practices that people can incorporate into their daily lives to improve their mindset and wellbeing?
Mindset is everything – it’s your attitude and how you approach everything from your career to your relationships. It’s also how you speak to yourself. When you shift your internal narrative, it ripples out into your external life in such a positive way!

How can an integrative approach to health help you heal and thrive?
An integrative approach means looking at the body as a whole – you can’t separate physical health from mental health, or vice versa. To fully heal and thrive, you must embrace all the factors that have the ability to nourish you.

You’ve overcome some significant obstacles, transforming them into a powerful story and purpose. How were you able to triumph over them?
Wellness is a journey, not a destination. I continue to triumph over obstacles every day, and learn from them every day.

What are some actionable ways other people can overcome challenges and begin a journey of self-discovery?
Try new things. You have to start somewhere! Overcoming challenges starts with small steps that, over time, become sustainable lifestyle changes.

From a mental health standpoint, resolve to listen more instead of just waiting for the next opportunity to talk.

Find yourself a strong community. You can’t go it alone! The support and nurturing you get from people who have your best interests in mind and at heart is priceless.

Culture in the workplace is a major topic right now. How can business leaders integrate health and wellness into their companies and internal culture?

Infuse your workplace with wellness. Employers and employees alike are prioritizing well-being, from perks that employees actually want to taking care of mental wellness.

Optimize your workspaces for hybrid workers.

Focus on creating spaces where people can meet (safely) but that don’t break the budget

Shift the traditional 9-5. Given the flexibility of being able to work from home, many employees, especially those with families, might be looking for the ability to shift their hours to be better able to manage everything else that life throws their way.

What quote or mantra sticks inspires you the most?
“You are one decision away from a radically different life” – Mel Robbins

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#Mindset #Health #Wellness #Life