Rhythms of Renewal: Balancing Leadership, Life, and Legacy

As a CEO, wife, mum of two vibrant girls, and master’s student, I often find myself caught in the whirlwind of my professional and personal responsibilities, constantly striving to meet the demands of all these roles – and I know I’m not alone. The challenges of setting the pace, culture and rhythm of an organisation (and a family!) can leave us feeling overwhelmed and depleted.

However, by embracing intentional rhythms of renewal, these challenges can be navigated with grace, allowing us to lead from a place of strength. I recently attended a conference and heard Simon Barrington (Forge Leadership Consultancy) speak on burnout and the “rhythms of life” needed to prevent it. This really got me reflecting on what my own “rhythms of renewal” look like and how we, as leaders, can embrace better rhythms – intentionally, purposefully and persistently.

4 Rhythmic renewal rules to learn, leverage and live by

I really value practical tips so I want to share with you a schedule of actions that aims to keep you refreshed in the face of necessary busyness. “Refresh Daily, Renew Weekly, Restore Monthly, and Reset Yearly” is a structure that can help fellow leaders cultivate rhythms of renewal to empower their organisations, and themselves.

Refresh Daily:

The daily demands of life and leadership can be relentless, leaving us little time for self-care. However, it is essential to prioritise moments of refreshment amidst the chaos. Start your day with a simple morning routine that centres and energises you. This could include activities such as prayer, exercise, journaling, or reading. Throughout the day, take micro breaks to recharge, perhaps by going for a walk, connecting with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby. By consciously carving out these pockets of rejuvenation, you'll find yourself more focused, productive, and able to handle the demands of leadership effectively.

Renew Weekly:

Weekly renewal is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Set aside designated time each week to evaluate your priorities, assess progress, and realign your focus. This could be a Friday afternoon reflection session or a Monday morning planning ritual. Additionally, establish boundaries by creating "non-negotiable" personal time, free from work-related responsibilities. Spend quality time with your family, engage in activities that bring you joy, and disconnect from technology to recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Remember, the more you invest in self-renewal, the greater your capacity to lead others.

Restore Monthly:

Monthly restoration involves taking a step back to gain perspective and replenish your reserves. Schedule regular breaks or long weekends to engage in activities that inspire you and help you disconnect from work. Invest in personal growth by pursuing educational opportunities or attending conferences and seminars related to your field. Allocate time for self-reflection, both personally and professionally, to reassess your goals, celebrate accomplishments, and recalibrate your vision. By periodically detaching from the daily grind, you'll enhance your creativity, prevent stagnation, and bring fresh insights to your leadership role.

Reset Yearly:

Annual reset practices are essential for long-term visioning, growth, and legacy-building. Take time to reflect on the past year, identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement. Set ambitious yet realistic goals for the upcoming year, aligning them with your organisation's mission and values, and your personal goals and dreams. Engage your team in the process by fostering a culture of collaboration and feedback. Consider seeking a mentor or joining professional networks to expand your knowledge and gain fresh perspectives. Finally, prioritise self-care during vacations or sabbaticals to restore your energy and ignite your passion for the journey ahead.

As leaders, and humans, juggling numerous roles, it’s imperative to embrace Rhythms of Renewal to sustain our well-being, inspire our teams, and leave a lasting legacy. By refreshing daily, renewing weekly, restoring monthly, and resetting yearly, we can step closer towards that elusive balance between our personal and professional lives – perhaps even striding beyond the goal of balance into sustained growth, enjoyment and wellbeing in all spheres of our lives. Remember that leading is not solely about achieving results, but also about nurturing our own growth and the growth of those around us. By prioritising our well-being, we set the foundation for a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable future for our organisations, families, and ourselves.

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life”- Socrates