Leadership can be exhausting. Tight deadlines, high stakes decisions, and team challenges can quickly pile up, making even the most resilient leaders feel stretched thin. But real resilience doesn’t come from working longer hours or pushing through every stressor. It comes from prioritizing self care. Here’s the story of one leader who learned firsthand how self-care transformed his ability to lead with calm and clarity.

The Turning Point: A Leader on the Edge of Burnout

Meet James, a project director in a fast-paced tech company. James was known for his dedication and ability to stay calm under pressure, and his team admired him for it. But beneath his composed exterior, James was constantly exhausted. He’d been pulling late nights to meet project deadlines, juggling multiple teams, and rarely taking breaks. He believed he had to be “the strong one” for his team, even when his own stress levels were soaring.

Then, one morning, everything came to a head. James walked into a critical meeting, his mind foggy from lack of sleep. During the discussion, he snapped at a team member over a minor error, leaving the room tense and awkward. Later that day, a close colleague pulled him aside and said, “James, you’re burning out. And it’s affecting the team.” That conversation was the wake-up call he needed. He realized he couldn’t keep leading effectively if he was running on empty.

The Path to Resilience: James’ Self Care Journey

After that turning point, James decided to make some serious changes to protect his health and improve his leadership. Here’s how he began to incorporate self-care into his daily routine and the impact it had on him and his team.

1. Daily Check-Ins to Reconnect: Each morning, James started his day with a 10-minute check-in. He’d find a quiet spot, clear his mind, and ask himself how he was feeling, physically and mentally. Was he tense? Rested? By tuning into his state of mind, he found he could set a more intentional, positive tone for the day. These check-ins helped him approach challenges with a clearer, calmer perspective.
2. Setting Boundaries on Work Hours: James used to answer emails late at night, thinking it made him a more effective leader. But he quickly realized this habit was draining his energy and setting an unhealthy example. He committed to closing his laptop by 7 p.m., telling his team that he was unplugging and encouraging them to do the same. Within a few weeks, his energy improved, and his team felt more comfortable setting their own boundaries.
3. Creating Simple, Recharging Rituals: Instead of working through lunch, James made it a habit to take a short walk outside or grab a coffee in a nearby café. These small breaks gave him time to recharge and come back to work with renewed focus. His team noticed the change: James was more present, more patient, and less likely to snap at minor frustrations.
4. Learning to Delegate: James had always prided himself on handling things alone, but he realized that real leadership meant knowing when to ask for help. He started delegating more tasks to trusted team members, freeing up his time to focus on high priority projects and strategy. His team appreciated the increased responsibility, and James found himself less overwhelmed.
5. Modeling Self Care for His Team: At first, James felt awkward about discussing self-care with his team. But he knew the change in his own well being was too important not to share. He began holding regular check-ins to talk openly about stress, boundaries, and how they could support each other in balancing their workload. His team responded positively, feeling encouraged to prioritize their well being, too.

The Results: Resilience Through Self-Care

As James leaned into self-care, he noticed major improvements. His energy and patience returned, and he felt more engaged and motivated. His team became more collaborative and resilient, too. They knew they were working with a leader who valued their well-being, and that trust translated into a more supportive, productive atmosphere.

James’ story shows the power of self-care in leadership. Real resilience isn’t about pushing through every challenge alone; it’s about recognizing when to step back, recharge, and set a healthy example for others. Leaders who take care of themselves are better equipped to lead with strength, calm, and purpose even in the face of pressure.

For leaders like James, Lumolead offers stress management and self-care tools tailored to enhance well-being and resilience. Our coaching programs support leaders in creating routines that help them lead with renewed energy and calm. Empower your team by leading from a place of strength and self care.