Edition #28

Will You Lead on Empty?

Even leaders run dry. The signs are familiar:
• You’re physically present but mentally absent
• The smallest tasks feel overwhelming
• You snap at family over little things
• Motivation is low, energy even lower
• You’re running on coffee and adrenaline instead of clarity and purpose

The truth? You can’t give what you don’t have. Leading on empty doesn’t just drain you, it slowly depletes those around you too.

Ask yourself:
• What am I neglecting that normally restores me?
• Am I expecting myself to run at 100% without refuelling?
• What would rest look like if I treated it as responsibility, not luxury?

Challenge:
Block one non-negotiable moment of renewal this week, whether it’s exercise, prayer, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Protect it fiercely. Refuel before you burn out.

For more insights on how to manage your habits and energy, read this from James Clear.

Will You Lead Yourself With Margin?

Margin isn’t laziness. It’s wisdom. Leaders who leave space for recovery actually lead longer and better.

Ask yourself:
• Am I working from overflow or just scraping the bottom?
• What rhythms of rest could I build into my week?
• Where can I say no so that I can fully say yes where it matters most?

Challenge:
Audit your week. Cut one unnecessary commitment and replace it with something life-giving. Treat it like leadership maintenance, not indulgence.

Will You Model Rest for Others?

Your team (and family) will take cues from you. If you’re always “on,” they’ll feel pressure to be the same. But if you model rhythms of renewal, you give them permission to do the same.

Ask yourself:
• Do I communicate that rest is part of high performance?
• Am I celebrating balance, or only output?
• Do I encourage my team/family to step back when they need to?

Challenge:
Open a conversation this week with your team or family: What restores you? How can we help each other protect that? The answers may surprise you.

This Harvard Business Review highlights why managing your energy is more important than managing your time.

P.S If you missed the last edition, you can go back and review it here