The BSSG Series - #1 of 20

Sometimes your health is the first signal that work isn’t working.

For many professionals, the first warning sign isn’t in a performance review. It shows up as fatigue, anxiety, or a constant sense of unease. It isn’t just everyday stress—it's something deeper. These are often early warnings of what I call a Black Sheep Situation—when your values don’t fit the group, you lack support, or you’re facing bullying. The first step in surviving it is simple but powerful: NAME IT.

Write down what’s happening, how it made you feel, and what patterns you notice. It doesn’t need to be polished, just honest. Acknowledging reality turns confusion into something you can act on. It validates your feelings and reminds you that you’re not weak or “crazy”. You’re simply in a situation that doesn’t fit.

When we ignore those signals, it doesn’t just affect us—it can influence those around us. Left unaddressed, it may even chip away at the morale of a team or organization. Your health isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the base that everything else rests on. When we care for ourselves, we bring more clarity and resilience to work, and that gives us the starting point to find a situation that truly fits.

⭢ REFLECTION: Have you ever noticed your health signaling that something in your job wasn’t working?