💭 Feeling the winter slump? You're not alone.

It’s that time of year—cold, dark, and the fun of Christmas feels like a distant memory. The work is piling up, and each day feels like a slog. I wonder if you’re feeling it too?

I certainly am. My next book, The Emotional Life of Organisations, is due soon, my coaching calendar is full, and I’ve been teetering on the edge of feeling overwhelmed. That hamster-wheel feeling—lots of effort, not much progress.

A few weeks ago, I noticed the warning signs:❌ Poor sleep❌ Struggling to focus❌ Constant busyness, but not much impact

Sound familiar?

This got me thinking about mental wealth—not just mental health, but the psychological resources we build to stay at our best. Think of it like a pension plan for your mind—something you invest in consistently to perform well, even in tough times.

👉 Here’s the framework I use with my coaching clients to build mental wealth:

🔹 Sleep – The foundation of everything. If you’re sleep-deprived, your brain is, too.🔹 Diet – Your brain needs fuel, not just calories. Good food = better focus.🔹 Exercise – A 20-minute walk can reset your mind and improve clarity.🔹 Stress Management – Chronic stress shrinks the part of your brain responsible for problem-solving. Managing it is not a luxury—it’s essential.🔹 Exogenous Compounds – Tools like adaptogens or nootropics can help, but they support good habits, not replace them.

Lately, I’ve been testing a nootropic called Magic Mind—a mental focus shot that’s helped me stay sharp while writing. It’s been surprisingly effective, especially alongside other mental wealth practices.

But beyond habits and supplements, mental wealth also depends on energy—four types of it:💡 Physical Energy – Your body fuels your brain. Movement, light, and breaks matter.❤️ Emotional Energy – Strong relationships are a greater predictor of long-term health than cholesterol levels.🧠 Cognitive Energy – Deep, focused work is where real value is created—yet distractions steal it away.🌍 Spiritual Energy – A sense of purpose fuels resilience. Viktor Frankl discovered this in Auschwitz: meaning, not pleasure, is what sustains us.

Building mental wealth isn't about perfection. It’s about layering small, intentional habits over time. Start with one thing—maybe it’s a daily walk, maybe it’s trying Magic Mind, or maybe it’s a reflection exercise.

These little steps compound over time to create a mental wealth that sustains you.

If you’re ready to boost your focus and clarity, Magic Mind has a 45% off trial for you.

Here is the code: https://www.magicmind.com/MICHAELDRAYTONJAN

Feelings are the hidden energy that drives behaviour at work. They shape decisions, teamwork, and culture—whether we realise it or not.

Cue the feelings of helplessness and frustration as you question why things seem to go wrong despite your efforts. Maybe you feel like you're unfairly judged or that your career is being held back by external factors.

And when you try to find a way through?

You end up focusing on the negatives, interpreting neutral actions as personal attacks, and falling into the trap of a victim mindset.

Does this sound familiar?

If you've ever felt stuck or unfairly treated, you might be experiencing this mindset. But here’s the good news: You can break free from it.

Here are three practical steps to help you move from feeling like a victim to taking control:

👉 Challenge Your Certainty: When you're convinced you're being treated unfairly, ask yourself, "In what way could I be wrong?" This small shift in thinking opens up new possibilities.

👉 Shift Your Perspective: Before reacting, pause and consider the other person’s viewpoint. What might their experience be? Understanding both sides can change the dynamic.

👉 Self-Reflect: Ask yourself the tough question: "How might I have contributed to this situation?" Taking ownership of your role gives you power to change the outcome.

Remember, the power to shift your mindset lies within you. By breaking free from the victim mentality, you open up new opportunities for growth and success.