What professionals can learn from Layne Beachley's 7 per cent rule

In a recent episode of the INTHEBLACK podcast, seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley discusses the mindset strategies behind her illustrious career, and how they can apply to anyone working in finance and accounting.

Energy management

Beachley believes in the 7 per cent rule: spending 7 per cent of her waking hours to focus on wellbeing, recovery and mindset. That time is not all taken at once, she says, but in 5-minute mini bursts.

“Time management is actually energy management,” she says. “When I learned how to prioritise my energy, I stopped being distracted and started establishing clearer boundaries, which ultimately impacted my performance. That 7 per cent heavily impacts the other 93 per cent of the day.”

Micro-habits such as sunshine breaks, intentional breathing exercises, rest and clear boundaries can significantly improve performance and resilience, she says.

The cost of pushing through

Such ideas may seem idyllic to accounting and finance professionals with big jobs and strong work ethics, which is a sentiment that Beachley echoes. “I was convinced that to be at the top of my game for as long as I was, I had to work twice as hard as everybody else.”

“I did that, but at what cost? Pain, suffering, strained relationships, isolation, loneliness and now pain management,” she continues. Pushing through is now something Beachley does not recommend, urging professionals to “listen to the whispers before [the body] starts screaming”.

Layne Beachley spoke on the topic of mental wellness at CPA Australia's recent conference, CPA Week.