In a recent social media post, Fidji Simo, the former CEO of Applications at OpenAI, shared a powerful lesson learned the hard way. Her story sheds light on the importance of self-care and the long-term impact of health decisions.
The Power of Self-Care
Simo's journey began at Facebook, where she worked for a decade, climbing the corporate ladder and grabbing every opportunity that came her way. It was during this time that she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a chronic illness that affects the autonomic nervous system.
The symptoms of POTS can be debilitating, including chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, and dizziness. Despite the challenges, Simo's ambition and drive pushed her to continue working at a relentless pace.
The Missed Opportunity
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the missed opportunity Simo reflects on. Facebook offered her a full year of medical leave, a chance to slow down and focus on her health. However, driven by her success and the fear of missing out, she immediately declined the offer.
In her own words, Simo wishes she had listened to Mark Zuckerberg's advice to "play the long game." This decision, she now realizes, was influenced by the very traits that had brought her success: grit and endurance.
The Impact of Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness while building the future at OpenAI was a challenging experience for Simo. She describes it as "jarring" to navigate a disabling disease with no cure while working on cutting-edge technology.
POTS, a condition that affects involuntary bodily functions, is often misdiagnosed due to its shared symptoms with other illnesses. This adds an extra layer of complexity to Simo's journey, as she navigates a condition that is both physically and emotionally demanding.
A Broader Perspective
Simo's story raises a deeper question about the culture of ambition and the value we place on self-care. In a world that often glorifies relentless work and ambition, taking time for oneself can be seen as a sign of weakness. However, as Simo's experience shows, it is precisely this self-care that enables us to contribute over the long term.
From my perspective, Simo's journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about what we achieve, but also about how we take care of ourselves along the way. It's a lesson we can all learn from, especially in a world that often prioritizes productivity over well-being.
