Self-Care Is Not Self-Indulgence — It’s a Leadership Strategy

One of my girlfriends got me into watching the show Reasonable Doubt.  It's a great show, and I especially love when my “Hollywood Husband”, Morris Chestnut, makes an appearance.  I digress, the reason I bring it up is because I noticed that in the show they never stop to explain the lead character’s self-care routine. There’s no dramatic conversation about “work-life balance.” Instead, it’s shown in quiet but consistent ways — like the recurring scene of her running up a steep hill. We don’t hear her inner thoughts. We just see her pushing forward, breath steady, legs moving, eyes on the climb.

That hill becomes a visual metaphor, and every leader has one. The question is — are you climbing it depleted and distracted, or are you fueling yourself for the journey?

The Hill in Real Life

For me, that hill is my morning walk.  It’s the single most consistent way I prepare my mind and body before the work day begins. Walking releases tension, sparks creativity, and lets me process ideas before the emails, calls, and meetings begin.

It’s movement without the need to rush. A reset without guilt.

Some mornings I walk to clear my head.  Other mornings I walk to pray.  Always, I return to my desk more grounded, more focused, and more ready to lead.

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you”

-Katie Reed

The Cost of Leaders Skipping Self-Care

In a Deloitte Global article they share that in a survey of women “Half of women say their stress levels are higher than they were a year ago and a similar number say they’re concerned or very concerned about their mental health. Mental health is a top three concern for women globally (48%), falling behind only their financial security (51%) and rights (50%)”.

Too often leaders push through their days without a moment to breathe — let alone to take care of themselves. We tell ourselves we don’t have the time.  That we’ll squeeze ourselves in later. That our teams, clients, and families come first.

But here’s the truth: When you lead without caring for yourself, you aren’t leading at your full capacity. You’re leading from what’s left of you.

And eventually, what’s left won’t be enough.

My WPB5 Wake-Up Call

Recently, I took the Workplace Big Five Personality Assessment, and part of my results read:

“In tougher, more competitive situations, you will rarely back down from a challenge; tough-minded; independent; thick-skinned; enjoys center stage. Can come across as arrogant, untrusting. Be willing to reconsider any decision made in the heat of the moment; take aerobic exercise before meetings in which you need to soften your approach.”

Ouch.

At first glance, it felt personal.  But when I looked deeper, I realized — it’s feedback I can act on.  And that last part, “Take aerobic exercise before meetings”, that’s exactly what my morning walks have been doing for me.  They don’t just benefit my health; they temper my leadership. How are you turning constructive criticism into actionable change?

Why Self-Care Belongs in the CEO of You® Academy

Self-care is not a “nice to have” — it’s a core leadership competency.  That’s why in the CEO of You® Academy, we make health and wellness one of our core pillars. We help leaders design realistic, sustainable self-care practices that protect their emotional, mental, and physical energy — so they can lead without burnout or resentment.

Your self-care may not look like mine. It might be running, journaling, meditating, or dancing in your living room. The method matters less than the commitment.

Final Thoughts

So here’s my question for you: What’s your hill?  What practice will keep you strong enough to climb it without losing your breath — or yourself — along the way?

In the CEO of You® Academy, we create space for leaders to build these rhythms into their lives, alongside a network of peers who hold them accountable. Registration for the 2025 class closes on August 15th. Join us and learn how to lead from your best, not just what’s left.

Source:

Deloitte Global. “Women's Disproportionate Load at Work and Home Is Slowing Career Progress.” Press Room, Deloitte Global, 24 Apr. 2024, https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/women-work-report-shows-stagnating-progress-outside-workplace.html.