The CEO’s most valuable asset in 2026: Investing in your personal health for peak performance

I watched the leaders I admired most conquer industries, only to be conquered by their own bodies. In the peak years of their careers, when impact should have been greatest, severe health conditions silenced their potential.

They did not fail in the boardroom; they faced a collapse no strategy could avert: their own health failing in their prime. The hard truth is this: for the corporate leader, your health is not a luxury it is your foundational capital. It is the wealth that determines all other wealth.

One of the most effective principles for maintaining good health as a corporate professional is the application of the NEW START Principle. The NEW START Principle provides a holistic framework that promotes physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual balance.

One of the most remarkable real-life examples of these principles in action is the story of Professor Lorraine Day, the former Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at San Francisco General Hospital. Day was diagnosed with cancer. As a medical professional herself, she was fully aware of what orthodox medicine would prescribe for her condition. But she made a bold decision: she chose not to go the conventional way.

N – Nutrition
“Of all the medicine created, food is the chief.” —Hippocrates, Father of Medicine.

Day changed her diet completely, eating purposefully, relying on whole, plant-based foods to help her body fight disease. Food is the foundation of health, and it is also the first form of medicine.
Food is not just about filling the stomach; it is about fuelling the body. Eating carelessly brings sickness, but eating carefully brings strength, healing, and vitality.

E – Exercise
“If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” —Hippocrates.

Day stayed physically active to keep her body strong and circulate oxygen.
Exercise is life in motion. The body was created to move, not to be idle. Regular physical    activity strengthens the heart, increases blood circulation, builds muscle, improves flexibility, and even sharpens the brain.
Walking, stretching, skipping rope, or even doing simple indoor workouts is enough to keep the body active.
Neglecting exercise means your muscles weaken, your energy declines, and your risk of    lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes rises. The body you strengthen today will reward you tomorrow.

W – Water
“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” —Jacques Cousteau

Day hydrated her system. Water is one of the simplest yet most powerful agents of health.   It cleanses the system, regulates body temperature, aids digestion, transports nutrients, and flushes out toxins. Dehydration, on the other hand, weakens the body and makes the organs work harder.
Drinking at least eight cups of water daily is essential. Drinking water before meals aids       digestion. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks prevents unnecessary diseases.

S – Sunlight
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” —Justice William O. Douglas

Sunlight is nature’s gift of energy and healing. It strengthens the bones by providing Vitamin D, boosts immunity, lifts mood, and improves sleep patterns. Without sunlight, the body   becomes weak. Sunlight also helps regulate the biological clock, allowing the body to rest well at night. Those who avoid sunlight often experience weakness, poor immunity, and   sadness of spirit. But those who embrace it moderately enjoy vitality.

T – Temperance
“Health consists with temperance alone.” —Alexander Pope

Temperance means self-control and balance. It is not only about avoiding harmful habits. It is also about using good things wisely. Eating too much, working too much, or even sleeping too much can harm the body. But with temperance, you live longer, with peace of mind and stability.

A – Air
“Take a deep breath; it nourishes your soul.” —Caleb G.

Fresh air cleanses the lungs, improves blood circulation, and refreshes the brain.
Many people spend hours in poorly ventilated rooms, breathing in stale air, which increases fatigue and weakens concentration. Taking deep breaths outdoors, especially in the       morning, enriches the blood with oxygen and sharpens mental clarity.
Air is invisible, but it is the very breath of life.

R – Rest
“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” —Sydney J. Harris

The body repairs itself during rest, the mind becomes refreshed, and energy is restored. Rest is not laziness. It is preparation for greater productivity. Many people fall sick not because of poor diet or lack of exercise, but simply because they do not rest.
However, rest should not replace work. Work brings purpose, but rest brings balance.
Rest wisely, and it will fuel your work.

T – Trust in God
“Small acts of trust build resilience for the larger challenges ahead.” —Paige Donovan.

Emiliano Sala was a gifted Argentine footballer whose life ended tragically in 2019 when the small aircraft carrying him to join Cardiff City crashed over the English Channel, reminding the world that talent, success, and youth cannot guarantee tomorrow.

Marc-Vivien Foé was a Cameroonian midfielder who, in 2003, collapsed and died during a FIFA Confederations Cup match while playing for his country. Fit and strong, his sudden death shocked the world and reminded humanity that life is fragile, even at the peak of physical strength.
Trust means surrendering your fears, anxieties, and future to God, knowing that whether in health or in sickness, your life is safe in His hands.

In conclusion, true health goes beyond just being disease free; it’s about inner peace that comes from trusting our creator. The saying “prevention is better than cure” rings true, but really, prevention is the cure.

A healthy corporate leader is not only more effective but also better positioned to make sound decisions, inspire teams, and maintain ethical and emotional stability.

Nathaniel is a Senior Advisory Specialist with deep expertise in financial modeling and strategic consulting. Having trained over 500 finance professionals in financial software, he blends technical mastery with strategic insight to help organizations optimize performance and achieve sustainable growth. He can be reached at [email protected] or Nathaniel kojo Appiagyei on LinkedIn.

 

 

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