4 Ways for Leaders to Regain Control and Prioritize Well-Being
With rapid changes and constant pressures defining the business landscape, feelings of being overwhelmed or burned out are increasingly common among leaders. In this post, industry experts across various fields—including Owners and Founders—share invaluable insights into regaining control. Kicking off with the importance of delegation and setting clear boundaries, the article concludes with emphasizing self-care and boundary-setting as crucial steps. Discover all four expertly delivered pieces of advice to help leaders prioritize their well-being and reclaim their effectiveness.
- Delegate and Set Clear Boundaries
- Trust Your Team and Prioritize Well-Being
- Ruthlessly Prioritize and Build a Routine
- Embrace Self-Care and Set Boundaries
Delegate and Set Clear Boundaries
I'd advise leaders feeling overwhelmed to take a step back and delegate more. In my experience, trying to handle everything yourself often leads to burnout, so it's important to trust your team and delegate tasks where possible. This not only frees up mental space but also empowers others to step up and contribute.
Additionally, I think setting clear boundaries between work and personal time is crucial. Prioritizing well-being means scheduling time for breaks, exercise, or activities that recharge you. By taking small, intentional steps to re-gain control over your workload, you can gradually re-build balance and focus on what matters most.
Trust Your Team and Prioritize Well-Being
My advice to leaders feeling overwhelmed is to delegate more and trust your team. Often, trying to handle everything yourself leads to burnout. Take a step back, identify your highest priorities, and focus on what only you can do. Carve out time for your own well-being, whether it is through exercise, a hobby, or simply unplugging for a bit. Remember, taking care of yourself is key to leading effectively.
Ruthlessly Prioritize and Build a Routine
For leaders feeling overwhelmed or burned out, my advice is to ruthlessly prioritize. This means stepping back, identifying the tasks that truly move the needle, and delegating or cutting the rest. Too often, leaders try to do it all, which dilutes their focus and drains their energy. Once you’ve clarified your priorities, build a routine that includes non-negotiable time for rest and self-care. It is crucial to understand that your business can only thrive if you, as a leader, are functioning at your best. Learning to say no more often will help you regain control and maintain long-term well-being.
Embrace Self-Care and Set Boundaries
One piece of advice I would give to leaders who are feeling overwhelmed or burned out is self-care! This can look different for everyone, but ultimately, it is setting aside time for yourself. It is the number-one intention that can help prevent burnout. Often, with leaders, especially high-level or executive leaders, self-care starts with boundary setting: saying no, prioritizing your family and/or yourself, making decisions that lead you closer to your values—not someone else's, and creating a work/life balance.
By setting healthy boundaries, you will be one step closer to finding the time and energy for self-care. Now, self-care doesn't have to be some big, grand gesture like going on a week-long vacation or a trip to the spa. Start small. What brings you joy? What gives you a sense of accomplishment? Even if it is 5–10 minutes a day, engaging in activities that regulate and calm your nervous system, bring pleasure and accomplishment, and refill your cup that you are daily pouring out of will bring a decrease in overwhelm and prevent burnout. By doing these things, you will begin to regain control and prioritize your well-being by embracing the power of self-care through creating morning routines to start your day with positivity, moving your body for holistic wellness, starting a gratitude or mindfulness practice, nourishing your soul with creativity, and ending the day with an evening routine to cultivate relaxation.
