Rule #1 for Starting a Wellness Movement Within Your Workplace: Stand on the Shoulder of Giants

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulder of giants." - Isaac Newton

This was, by far, the most crucial step in my process of bringing wellness to my workplace.  When I began this adventure over a year ago, I sought the help of my  professors.  They have dedicated their lives to health promotion and education, so it was natural for them to support me and offer much needed guidance.  This set the groundwork for all things to come.

After these discussions with my professors, I reached out to the other group of individuals that have been pivotal in my adventure: other successful wellness coordinators.  Through some quick searches of company websites, I was able to snatch three different email addresses of area wellness coordinators.  The email wasn't elaborate, nor was it fancy in any way.  It was short and to the point and yet gave a brief overview of my story and what I was hoping to accomplish through any future conversations. One of them replied to my email, and so began my increasing depth of knowledge of what it takes to run a successful wellness movement at work.

Because of a single attempt to expand your professional network, you will reap many instantaneous benefits, along with potential benefits you would never see coming.  For example, my first contact with an area wellness coordinator led me to find the contact information for big wig management of wellbeing at The Company - of whom I have regular contact with and are huge supporters of my efforts at my specific worksite.  I know them by name, they know me by name, and they have even reached out to me for feedback on initiatives they are sending out throughout the entire enterprise.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen because of an email I sent to a wellness coordinator in my hometown.  Standing on top of giants' shoulders will propel yourself forward faster than you could imagine.  Contact individuals that are experts and supporters of your cause.  The worst they can say is "no", but it may turn out to be the best decision you have ever made.

Cheers to experts and supporters of your cause!