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As a leader, it’s important to have boundaries personally and professionally, but if you’re anything like me you might feel guilty enforcing them at times.
A great leader has a healthy, prioritized mix of selfish boundaries and unselfish giving.
You don’t have to always be all things, all the time, to everyone. Sometimes you pour out your cup for others and sometimes you need to relentlessly refill your cup.
As you’re reading this what does this moment call for?
How do you know?
It’s a delicate integration of energy, enthusiasm, empathy, and self-awareness, but it’s one you must master if you want to lead effectively without burning out, losing your passion, or becoming resentful.
Below are three steps to help you check in with yourself both personally and professionally:
Take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “How am I really feeling right now?”
Not the surface-level, autopilot answer you might give in passing, but a deeper check-in. Are you tired, energized, overwhelmed, or languishing?
This simple act of self-awareness can be revealing. If you’re running on empty, it’s a sign that you need to refill your cup. If you’re feeling full, maybe it’s time to pour some of that energy into others.
2. Assess Your Current Commitments
Look at what’s on your plate. Is it manageable, or are you teetering on the edge of overwhelm?
This isn’t just about how much you have to do, but how those tasks align with your values and goals.
Are your commitments feeding your growth and well-being, or are they draining you?
If you find that your responsibilities are more of a burden than a blessing, it’s time to reassess and set some boundaries.
3. Check Your Energy Exchange
Consider the relationships and activities in your life—are they reciprocal, or are you constantly giving without receiving?
A healthy energy exchange is key to maintaining your highest character and capacity. If you’re always the one pouring out, eventually, you’ll run dry.
Take stock of where your energy is going and adjust as needed to ensure that you’re not depleting yourself.
In these moments of reflection, you’re not just checking your capacity; you’re taking responsibility for your own well-being.
It’s not selfish to put yourself first sometimes—it’s necessary.
When your cup is full, you can give from a place of abundance, and that’s when you’re at your best as a leader.
So, what does this moment call for? Listen to what your body, mind, and spirit are telling you, and honor that.
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