“If you are physically and mentally well, that will give you the fuel to boost your success, your ambition.” In this episode of SEOs Getting Coffee, Sean Carroll, Emina Demiri-Watson and Tazmin Suleman are going to redefine the concept of ambition and see how wellbeing and self-awareness can be the fuel to your success in the SEO industry and in life.
The world of SEO and digital marketing can be overwhelming and daunting, much like many other industries. Yet, by recognising and understanding your strengths and passions, you can improve your mental wellbeing and face those challenges more effectively.
Join us for this episode, which is sure to boost your self-confidence.🚀
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SEOs Getting Coffee - Episode #24: Balancing Ambition with Wellbeing in the SEO Industry
Meet Tazmin: Her Journey to Personal Fulfillment
Tazmin’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in tech and a passion for learning and development, she transitioned from a successful career in SEO to becoming a coach. Her journey highlights how powerful it is to know yourself and be brave enough to do what you love. Tazmin shares how her experiences in tech and SEO led her to pursue coaching, highlighting the steep learning curve and the rewards that come with it. This, in turn, was driven by an in-depth awareness of her strengths and an equally profound desire to help others unlock their potential.
The Connection Between Ambition and Wellbeing
Tazmin emphasises that ambition and wellbeing are not separate entities but rather two sides of the same coin. She argues that physical and mental wellness provide the fuel needed to achieve one’s goals. Self-awareness plays a critical role in this balance. By understanding our needs and recognizing what energizes us, we can better navigate the demands of our ambitions. Tazmin’s approach includes being mindful of nutrition, sleep, and exercise, which are essential to maintaining the energy required to pursue our goals.
Four Cornerstones for Achieving Balance
Tazmin introduces four cornerstones to maintaining a balance between ambition and wellbeing:
- Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are non-negotiables. These elements are the foundation of sustaining the energy necessary for high performance.
- Vision: Having a clear vision of what you want, even if it evolves over time, is crucial. This vision serves as a guiding star, helping to align daily actions with long-term goals.
- Confidence: Building the confidence to take steps toward your goals is essential. This involves continuous self-reflection and growth, ensuring that your ambitions are aligned with your core values.
- Happiness and Productivity: Ensuring personal happiness to maintain high productivity levels. When you are happy and content, your productivity naturally increases, creating a positive feedback loop between wellbeing and ambition.
Navigating the Challenges in the SEO Industry
The SEO industry is known for being fast-paced, competitive, and performance-driven. Sean points out that the constant screen time and pressure to achieve measurable results can be draining. Tazmin agrees but notes that this is true for many tech-related fields. She emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and finding joy and energy in daily activities, whether it’s through deep work sessions in the quiet early morning hours or simple pleasures like making a cup of tea for a loved one.
Emina adds that SEO can be particularly inducing of stress due to its competitive nature and the constant need to adapt to algorithm updates. The performance-based aspect of the job creates a pressure to consistently deliver tangible results, which can be mentally taxing.
Strategies to Break the Cycle of Burnout
To break the cycle of stress and burnout, Tazmin suggests:
- Self-Validation: Learning to validate oneself rather than relying on external validation. This involves acknowledging your own achievements and strengths without waiting for others to do so.
- Holistic Wellness: Focusing on nutrition, exercise, emotional consumption, and the company you keep. By nurturing your body and mind, you create a robust foundation to handle the demands of your career.
- Positive Mindset Shifts: Viewing tasks as opportunities rather than obligations. This simple change in perspective can transform your approach to daily activities, making them more enjoyable and less stressful.
Redefining Ambition: Beyond Financial Success
Ambition often gets a bad rap for being synonymous with cutthroat behaviour. However, Tazmin redefines ambition as a drive to become better at being oneself. Whether it’s financial success, relationship goals, or personal growth, ambition should be about enhancing one’s qualities and capabilities. She illustrates this with personal examples, such as her ambition to have enriching family time and to be a nurturing grandmother, which go beyond traditional financial or career goals.
The Employer's Role in Supporting Ambition and Wellbeing
Employers can play a significant role in nurturing their employees’ ambitions while ensuring their wellbeing. Tazmin shares practical strategies from her experience as a team leader:
- Lead by Example: Employers should model holistic wellness and discuss their personal interests and hobbies. When leaders visibly take care of their wellbeing, it sets a positive tone for the entire team.
- Open Conversations: Encourage open discussions about personal goals and motivations. This transparency helps in aligning individual aspirations with organizational goals.
- Individualized Opportunities: Understand each team member’s aspirations and align tasks with their personal development goals. By doing so, employers can create a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Emina adds that understanding the unique motivations and needs of each team member is crucial. By doing so, employers can offer tailored opportunities that align with both the organization’s goals and the individual’s career aspirations.
Room 404: Banishing Ageism in SEO Teams
Tazmin passionately advocates for the banishment of ageism from the SEO industry. She argues that diverse teams, including those with senior members, bring valuable perspectives and stability. Using her own experiences, she highlights the importance of seeing age as an asset rather than a limitation. Age diversity can offer a breadth of experience and wisdom, which is crucial in navigating the challenges of a dynamic industry like SEO.
Sean agrees, emphasising that older team members can provide a sense of perspective and calm that is often missing in younger teams. He notes that having a mix of ages can lead to more balanced decision-making and a more inclusive work environment.
Final Thoughts: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Tazmin leaves us with a powerful reminder about the often-discussed imposter syndrome. She believes that terms like imposter syndrome can make challenges seem bigger and scarier than they need to be. Instead, she encourages us to approach new challenges with a mindset of growth and resilience. By understanding our intrinsic value and capabilities, we can diminish the power of imposter syndrome and focus on our journey of self-improvement.
Emina and Sean both acknowledge that imposter syndrome is a common issue in the SEO industry due to its fast-paced and competitive nature. They agree with Tazmin that building self-awareness and confidence is key to overcoming these feelings.
Tazmin’s insights remind us that balancing ambition and wellbeing is not only possible but essential for sustained success and happiness. By understanding ourselves, setting aligned goals, and fostering positive environments both personally and professionally, we can thrive in any industry.
For more insights and in-depth conversations on the latest in SEO and digital marketing strategies, stay stuned for upcoming episodes of “SEOs Getting Coffee.” Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and expert opinions.
Connect with Tazmin Suleman
Confidence & Wellbeing Coach | Corporate Trainer & Course Creator
