Is the Pursuit of “More” Fueling Our Mental Health Crisis? Here’s How Leverage-Based Leadership Can Help

Imagine this: you’re running a marathon, but instead of the scenic route with water stations and cheering fans, you’re stuck on a hamster wheel. You are burning so much energy but you feel like you are going nowhere. Exhausting, right? That’s what the constant pursuit of “more” can feel like.

In today’s world, it seems everyone’s chasing something—more money, more recognition, more success. The problem is this endless grind often leaves us burnt out, frustrated, and wondering if there’s even a finish line. Spoiler alert: there isn’t.

Here’s the catch—winning isn’t always about chasing more. Trust me, I’m a high achiever, regularly looking at the next big goal–but here me out. True winning is about making the most of what you already have, and leveraging those for the next week. To be able to “leverage the playing field” it starts with your mental fitness. When you harness the power of your mind, you shift from survival mode to thriving mode, from average to extraordinary. When you are quickly able to turn around what seems like a setback to a step up, you are winning. Welcome to leverage-based leadership.

Why the Pursuit of “More” Is Draining You

Chasing “more” is like trying to fill a bottomless cup. No matter how much you pour in, it’s never enough. Worse yet, it drains the very things you need to succeed: your energy, creativity, and joy.

So here’s a question worth asking yourself: Am I leading my life, or is this endless pursuit of “more” leading me?

The Leverage-Based Leadership Approach

Prioritizing your mental fitness doesn’t just make you feel better—it can actually elevate your leadership. It’s like upgrading your internal system to perform at its best.

Exceptional leaders don’t burn themselves out trying to do it all. They focus on doing the right things with clarity and purpose, using a mind that’s sharp, resilient, and centered. Want to follow their lead? Here’s how you can do the same:

1. Leverage Your Mindset

Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about thinking smarter. Your mindset is your most powerful tool. Shift from a scarcity mindset (where you feel like you’re always falling short) to an abundance mindset (where you trust you already have the tools to succeed or the belief that you can learn the skills you need to learn).

Pro tip: Next time you feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses, remember: the Joneses are probably just as exhausted as you are.

2. Leverage Your Energy

Burnout seems like a badge of honor in so many industries. The idea that the amount of self sacrifice you engage in is correlated with your dedication to your work. However, exceptional leaders have learned how to leverage proper rest. Exceptional leaders know how to manage their energy, not just their time. Identify your peak energy hours and schedule your most important tasks during those windows.

3. Leverage Your Emotional Intelligence

Your ability to connect with others starts with your ability to connect with yourself. Check in with your emotions and understand your triggers. When you lead with emotional intelligence, you inspire trust, loyalty, and collaboration.

Plus, it saves you from those awkward “I’m fine!” moments when everyone knows you’re not fine.

4. Leverage Your Purpose

Purpose isn’t some fluffy buzzword—it’s your guiding light. When you focus on what truly matters to you, it’s easier to stop chasing things that don’t. Purpose gives you energy, even on those tough days.

Ask yourself this: Am I pursuing “more” because I genuinely want it, or because I feel like I should?

5. Leverage Rest and Recovery

Here’s the truth: working nonstop doesn’t necessarily make you a hero. It can make you a liability. Your brain needs rest to function at its best and as a result, sleep, exercise, and quiet moments aren’t indulgences—they’re essentials.

And no, doom-scrolling social media at midnight doesn’t count as rest. Nice try, though.

Why This Matters

When you leverage your mental fitness, you’re no longer running on empty. You’re leading with clarity, purpose, and resilience. This is what separates average leaders from extraordinary ones.

The pursuit of “more” may promise fulfillment, but leveraging your mental health delivers it. It’s the difference between barely surviving and truly thriving.

Take a moment to pause and reflect. Are you endlessly chasing “more,” or are you making the most of what’s already within your grasp?

Grab a piece of paper and jot down three ways you can start leveraging your mental fitness to elevate your leadership.

Here’s the bottom line: the best leaders don’t do it all, at least not all at once. They focus on leveraging their resources—starting with their minds. Master that, and you won’t just keep up with the Joneses—you’ll leave them wondering how to catch up with you.