We’re only in the first month of the new year and I’ve already heard it repeated a half-dozen times: “I’m exhausted.”

These conversations remind me of the rescheduled client meetings over the last year because of exhaustion, stress-induced health issues, and burnout.

But what if the conventional wisdom on managing stress – hitting the gym, going for a long run, or taking a day for focus time – is actually part of the problem? What if these quick fixes are not only inadequate but also misguided, perpetuating a culture that views self-care as a luxury rather than essential?

It's time to rethink our approach to self-care and recognize it as a critical investment in our leadership capacity, not just a personal indulgence.

Self-care Isn't a Luxury, It's a Leadership Imperative

The outdated idea that you need to sacrifice your well-being for the sake of your work is a toxic myth that's doing more harm than good.

The relentless pressure to be constantly "on" – working long hours, responding to emails at all hours, and giving up your weekends – is a recipe for burnout, poor decision-making, decreased productivity, and stalled growth.

But conventional norms are changing, and the most effective leaders today are abandoning the old way of grinding and running themselves to the ground and instead investing in themselves.

When you make self-care a non-negotiable part of your leadership practice, you're not just taking care of yourself – you're modeling what healthy looks like to your team. That's a powerful way to build trust, inspire loyalty, and drive real sustainable success.

But there’s the catch.

There is No Cookie Cutter Approach

Self-care is personal and comes in many forms.

For some leaders, it might be as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate, scheduling a long-overdue doctor's appointment, or trying something new that sparks creativity. Or it could be tackling that one big thing you've been putting off.

The point is self-care doesn't have to be time-consuming or require a complete overhaul of your schedule. By prioritizing your own well-being, you'll become a more effective, resilient, and inspiring leader.

Getting Started With Micro-Steps

Think self-care is impossible with your busy schedule? The key is to start small.

Try a 15-minute (or less) MICRO-break: a short, intentional pause to reset your mind and body. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or spending a few minutes chilling with your favorite playlist. Anything that’s low stress and relaxing.

Micro-breaks work because stress builds incrementally, and these mini resets help manage it moment by moment.

You can also try MICRO-movements: short bursts of intentional movement that trigger endorphins and keep you energized without overwhelming your schedule. You could do some stretches to improve flexibility or step outside for fresh air and sunlight.

Why does this work? Movement – even in small doses – triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood boosters. Like tune-ups for your body and mind, keeping everything running smoothly even on chaotic days.

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Consistency over intensity.

The Business Case for Self-care

Conventional leadership approaches are no longer sustainable. The "Always-On" mentality leads to burnout, decision fatigue, and diminished capacity to lead.

Leaders who think that putting themselves last is a sign of humility or a badge of honor are failing themselves and their teams by showing up emotionally depleted, in a reactive state and in a diminished capacity – unable to meet the needs of their people or the business.

Self-care doesn’t just benefit you – it benefits everyone around you.

The Science of Effective Leadership

As a leader, you know you have to be at your best to perform. What you might not realize is that science shows that self-care is the foundation for better leadership.

If you're not taking care of yourself, you can quickly burn out and lose your edge. But when you make time for restorative practices like sleep, breath work, and boundary setting, you'll find that you're more resilient, more creative, and more focused.

So, what does this mean for you? It means:

• You'll respond to challenges with clarity and confidence, rather than react impulsively

• You'll be more creative and find innovative solutions to complex problems

• You'll improve your focus to make decisions with confidence and precision

The benefits of self-care are undeniable.

The Ultimate Leadership Imperative

As you face the complex challenges that lie ahead in 2025, one thing is clear: your ability to lead effectively will be put to the test.

But you can't pour from an empty cup. If you're not prioritizing your own well-being, you'll struggle to turn obstacles into opportunities and miss hitting your goals.

It's time to redefine what self-care means to you.

It's not about squeezing in a few extra minutes of meditation or yoga – it's about fundamentally transforming how you show up and execute as a leader.

So don't just add self-care to your to-do list – make it the foundation of your leadership approach.

The ideas here aren’t just about feeling better but about leading better.

Self-care is smart leadership.

Need support and guidance to help you navigate the modern challenges of effective leaders? Collaborate with me for executive coaching and leadership development. I have worked with hundreds of high-level, C-suite executives just like you, and have helped them lead with confidence.

¹ Photo by Yuheng Ouyang