What do you do if your career as a thought leader is taking a toll on your self-care and well-being?

Persistent exhaustion, detachment from your work, and cynicism towards topics you're passionate about are common indicators. Once recognized, take proactive steps to address burnout, such as setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care. Remember that prioritizing your well-being is essential for long-term success and fulfillment in your career.

Realize that it is OKAY to take time away. I always say "Show up today in a way that allows you be able to show up again tomorrow". Don't fall into the temptation that your thought leadership means you have to be around all the time. You don't need to share something every day. You can take prolonged time off. No one will beat you! And take it from someone who constantly do this, your credibility as a thought leader WILL NOT suffer. Take care of yourself.

When you're a leader, it's of paramount importance to FIRST take care of yourself. It's the age old of putting your oxygen mask on first, before helping others. If you're not in a great place, how can you help others. I believe in transparancy. Discuss with your team that you need to take some time to self-care: go to the gym, meditate during the day, keep regular hours, whatever it is that nourishes you; then you can slowly get back to your "normal" self. The big advice I can give here is to recognize this EARLY. If you wait until you're burned out, your recovery is much more difficult. Figure out how to intervene your challenges early on and you'll be able to recover much faster.

As a thought leader, it’s essential to recognize that self-care is not a sign of weakness but rather a crucial aspect of maintaining your well-being. Here are some strategies you can consider: Prioritize Self-Care: Acknowledge that taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success. Set Boundaries: As a thought leader, you likely have a demanding schedule. Learn to say no when necessary and create space for rest and relaxation. Prioritize activities that recharge you, whether it’s spending time with loved ones. Encourage Team Well-Being: As a leader, you can influence your team’s well-being too. Practice meditation or deep breathing, engage in regular exercise, and prioritize good sleep hygiene.

Lack of boundaries is sometimes an indication of something deeper. Sometimes it's the need to be seen, the desire to please people, the fear of rejection. Beyond the surface, understand the underlying reasons and seek to address them.

Determine what you can realistically handle and communicate these limits to your audience and collaborators. Set specific hours for work, designate times for rest and relaxation, and stick to them. Practice saying no to requests or commitments that exceed your capacity. By prioritizing your well-being and setting boundaries, you can maintain balance and longevity in your career as a thought leader.

* Learning to say no to some commitments is not always easy but is an essential part of a leaders vocabulary. * "When you say “yes” to others, make sure you are not saying “no” to yourself" Paulo Coelho

Another important aspect of setting boundaries is to make certain aspects of self-care "non-negotiables", i.e. things that are outside of your professional life that fulfil you that you do no matter how busy you are professionally. These could be different for different people - for some, it might be an hour a day of quality family time, while for others it could be making time for creative projects such as painting three times a week. My personal non-negotiable is sports/exercise. Making sure to go for a run or going to a boxing class at least 6 out of 7 days per week no matter what else I have going on doesn't just boost my physical health, it also supports my mental well-being and gives me energy I can channel into my professional life.

Understand that setting boundaries is essential as you grow and evolve in leadership positions. As you change, your boundaries and standards may also change. Embrace the necessity of adjusting your boundaries to maintain balance and protect your well-being.

Incorporate activities like meditation, exercise, and hobbies into your schedule, prioritizing them as you would any other commitment. Remember that self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary for sustaining your health, productivity, and creativity in your career. By prioritizing self-care, you can better manage stress, stay balanced, and thrive as a thought leader.

Thought leaders, self-care isn't a luxury, it's your fuel! Meditation, exercise, even just some fun with hobbies – these recharge your creativity and energy. A well-rested, balanced you brings sharper thinking and deeper connections to your audience. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so prioritize self-care and watch your thought leadership soar!

Kleine Resilienz-übung: Versuche, dich von Au?en zu beobachten. Stell' dir vor, du sitzt dir selbst gegenüber. Was würdest du einer Freundin, einem Freund in einer Situation empfehlen, in der sie/er v?llig überfordert wirkt? Oder betrachte dich aus der Drohnenperspektive. Was siehst du? Was k?nntest du für die Person tun, die dort sitzt? Was würde ihr gut tun? Tue es.

Your ability to sense subtle shifts in energy is your genius. Prioritize self-care and rest to stay clear and connected to your true self. Being inwardly calm grants you access to deep knowledge and wisdom. Remember that prioritizing your wellness is your responsibility alone—take care of yourself.

Absolutely. It's about being intentional, deliberate or even proactive about one's wellbeing. Having busy schedules doesn't excuse a lack of self-care.

Turn to your organizational ecosystem—your village—for support and mutual reciprocity. Amplify your community and recognize that delegation is a leadership necessity. Disarm the lie that seeking support is a sign of weakness, and acknowledge it as the strategy it is for maintaining balance and effectiveness in your role.

Take a break. Humans evolve. If you’re thought leadership is draining you it’s a god indicator that you’re in a growth space. If what you’re doing is no longer energizing or fulfilling you, it could be a sign it’s time to stretch and grow into the next level of your leadership.

Take a moment to reconsider your priorities as a leader. Do they remain aligned with your forward-thinking values and well-being? Be open to revision always and refine your goals accordingly. Focus on what truly brings fulfillment and purpose to your life, and let go of anything that no longer serves your growth and happiness.

Grow thought leadership! To be a truly successful thought leader, one must understand the value in growing others knowledge in subjects. Not only does this create additional resources but it also supports the personal and professional growth of others, and opens the opportunity for you to grow in additional areas.