High Performance: How Valuable Are You to Your Business?

Two weeks ago, I found myself in Epsom visiting my son – right in time for the legendary Epsom Derby weekend. The atmosphere was electric, with racehorses in peak condition thundering down the track, each representing months and years of meticulous training, care, and investment.

Fast forward to the following weekend, and I was watching my stepdaughter behind the wheel of a race car at Goodwood, living out her dream as part of her 18th birthday celebration. There she was – helmet on, laser-focused, putting pedal to metal. A high-performance machine in the hands of someone ready to push it to its limits.

Two very different settings. Two very different experiences. But what do they have in common – besides being wonderful family moments?

High Performance

In both examples, peak performance was non-negotiable. The racehorses at Epsom weren’t fed doughnuts and fizzy drinks. The race cars at Goodwood weren’t running on sub-par engine oil or worn-out tyres.

They were finely tuned. Nourished. Maintained. Respected.

So, here’s a question for you – especially if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur: How valuable are you? And more importantly, how do you treat yourself?

The Business Owner as a High-Performance Asset

If you’re running a business, you’re not just another cog in the machine – you are the engine. Your performance, decisions, creativity, and leadership are pivotal to the direction and success of your company. You wouldn’t dream of allowing your top-performing team member to burn out without support. So why treat yourself any differently?

Running a business is tough. The to-do list never ends. The responsibilities never shrink. You’re constantly pulled in ten different directions, from managing finances and keeping clients happy to planning strategy and leading your team. But amidst all that chaos, there’s one vital area that often gets neglected: you.

The reality is this: high performance isn’t just about grinding harder. It’s about taking care of the asset – you – so that you can continue to lead effectively.

Nourish to Flourish

So, let’s go back to those earlier analogies.

• Would you feed a racehorse doughnuts?
• Would you fill a Ferrari with low-quality oil?

Of course not. They’re too valuable to mistreat.

Yet as business owners, many of us forget that the same logic applies to our own wellbeing. Skipping meals, sleeping five hours a night, and relying on caffeine to power through may feel like productivity – but it’s unsustainable. It’s the business equivalent of pouring sand into your petrol tank.

True high-performance stems from the basics:

• Sleep: A good night’s sleep isn’t a luxury – it’s a business tool. It sharpens your thinking, improves your mood, and helps you make better decisions.
• Exercise: Physical activity doesn’t just improve your health – it boosts creativity, energy, and resilience.
• Nutrition: What you put into your body directly affects your output. Food is fuel – choose quality.
• Mental space: Time to think, plan, and reflect is essential for long-term success.

Neglecting these things doesn’t just harm you – it harms your team, your clients, and your entire business. 

Making Space for What Matters

We get it – there’s never enough time. And when you’re spinning so many plates, the idea of adding self-care to the mix can feel impossible.

That’s where we come in.

At James Todd & Co, we work with hundreds of business owners just like you. They’re passionate. They’re driven. And they’re tired. They know they need to do better – for themselves and for their businesses – but they’re not sure where to start.

Our coaching and mentoring services are designed to help you carve out space for what matters most – you. We’ll work with you to plan more effectively, create sustainable habits, and become the kind of leader your business needs for the long haul.

Because when you’re operating at your best, everything else runs smoother – your decisions, your strategy, your team culture, and yes, your bottom line.

Final Thoughts

So, here’s your gentle nudge:

• You are your business’s most valuable asset.
• You deserve the same care and attention as any high-performance machine.
• And if you need help making that happen, we’re here for you.

If you’d like to explore how coaching and mentoring can support your performance and well-being as a business owner, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether you’re at the starting line or halfway around the track, there’s always room to tune up and go further.

Contact us today – and let’s get you back to high performance.