Self-Care and Leadership

“Leaders know that to take care of others they must first take care of themselves.” – Barb Moses 

Time after time we have heard that leaders come in a variety of forms. Some lead verbally and some lead through action. No matter what leadership style you have, we are told that it should be embraced.

Have you ever taken the time to figure out what makes you a great leader? Is it your ability to move people with your words? Is it your amazing work ethic? Have you ever considered that practicing self-care could make you an even better leader? What? But what about servant leadership? Let me explain… 

Self-Care

How much time do you dedicate towards self-care? Many people think that self-care has to be an elaborate, expensive vacation get-away. While self-care can absolutely be a vacation, going on a shopping spree, or getting a massage, self-care should also include things that we can practice regularly and realistically.

Examples of micro self-care include meditation, going for a walk, singing worship music at the top of your lungs, or drinking a delicious smoothie. Whatever your idea of self-care is, it has to be with the mindset that you are doing something for yourself with the intention of filling your “tank” to be a better you.

Self-care is hard. Self-care is intentional. Self-care is a practice. It may make you feel guilty. But, if you are constantly serving others without taking time to restore your mind, body, and soul, you will not be able to be the best servant leader you can be. 

How many times have we as athletes, coworkers, parents, tried so hard to be a good example/leader in our role, but have found ourselves tired and burnt out? In order to lead others we must first take time to grow ourselves and make sure that our tank is full. We can’t fill other people’s tanks, if ours is on empty. 

Reflect

Leaders don’t always have to be strong. Leaders don’t always have to have it together. Leaders can be tired. Leaders can say no. We all work hard, and we all deserve a little TLC. It’s time we show others that in order to be a successful leader for others, we must take time for ourselves.

We all need to lead, and we all need to be led. How can you become a happier, healthier YOU in order to better lead others? Try practicing self-care at least once a week for this next month and see how it influences your life and the lives of those around you. 

As Katie Reed said, “self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you,” and that, in my eyes, is the key of servant leadership.