As leaders, we’re often told that success requires sacrifice—late nights, long hours, and constant hustle. While hard work is part of achieving big goals, there’s a hidden danger in pushing ourselves too far. When self-care takes a backseat, the consequences can be costly: burnout, poor decisions, and even the loss of what we’ve worked so hard to achieve. Balancing success and self-care isn’t about slowing down; it’s about sustaining momentum for the long haul.
Let’s start with a startling statistic: A Gallup study found that 44% of employees reported feeling burned out at work “often” or “very often.” For leaders, that number is even higher. The constant pressure to deliver results, manage teams, and innovate takes a toll on our mental and physical health. If we’re not careful, the drive for success can become a fast track to exhaustion.
Consider the story of Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. In 2007, she collapsed in her office from exhaustion, hitting her head on her desk. At the time, she was leading one of the most successful digital media platforms in the world. That moment was a wake-up call. She realized she had been neglecting her own well-being in the name of success. Today, she advocates for self-care as a cornerstone of sustainable success, proving that we don’t have to sacrifice our health to achieve our goals.
The truth is, neglecting self-care doesn’t just affect us personally—it impacts our ability to lead effectively. Chronic stress impairs our decision-making, creativity, and emotional regulation. When we’re running on empty, we’re more likely to react impulsively, overlook important details, or alienate our teams. Steve Jobs once said, “It’s not the tools you have faith in—tools are just tools. They work or they don’t. It’s the people you have faith in or not.” To lead well, we need to be at our best, and that starts with taking care of ourselves.
Balancing success and self-care requires a shift in mindset. It’s not about doing less—it’s about doing smarter. One powerful way to start is by asking ourselves, “What energizes me, and what drains me?” This simple question can help us identify areas where we’re overcommitting and areas where we need to invest more time. For example, if we notice that back-to-back meetings leave us feeling depleted, we can block out time for focused work or rest. Small adjustments like these can make a big difference in maintaining energy and focus.
Another key strategy is setting boundaries. Elon Musk, despite his reputation for working long hours, has admitted that he sets aside time for his family and personal interests. He understands that sustainable success requires moments to recharge. For us, setting boundaries might mean turning off work notifications after a certain hour, saying no to non-essential commitments, or scheduling time for exercise and hobbies. Boundaries aren’t about being less available—they’re about protecting our ability to perform at a high level.
Prioritizing rest is also essential. Studies show that sleep deprivation reduces productivity, increases the risk of mistakes, and impairs leadership capabilities. Jeff Bezos has said he prioritizes getting eight hours of sleep a night because it helps him make better decisions. When we’re well-rested, we’re sharper, more creative, and better equipped to handle challenges.
We can also build self-care into our daily routines. Simple habits like starting the day with mindfulness, taking regular breaks, or ending the day with reflection can help us stay grounded. Journaling, for example, is a tool used by many successful leaders to process emotions, clarify goals, and reduce stress. It’s a small investment of time that can pay huge dividends in mental clarity and focus.
Self-care also means knowing when to ask for help. Many of us feel the need to carry everything on our shoulders, but delegating tasks to capable team members not only lightens our load but also empowers others. Richard Branson famously said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” By trusting our teams, we create space for ourselves to focus on what matters most.
The consequences of neglecting self-care are clear. Leaders who burn out often lose their edge, damage relationships, and risk the success of their organizations. Adam Neumann, the former CEO of WeWork, serves as a cautionary tale. His inability to balance the demands of leadership with personal well-being led to erratic behavior and poor decisions, ultimately costing him his role and damaging the company’s reputation.
Balancing success and self-care isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. By prioritizing rest, setting boundaries, and creating routines that support well-being, we can achieve our goals without sacrificing ourselves in the process. Success isn’t about running faster; it’s about running smarter. When we take care of ourselves, we show up as the leaders our teams and businesses need. Let’s commit to making self-care a non-negotiable part of success, ensuring that our momentum is sustainable, our decisions are sharp, and our achievements truly meaningful.
Struggling with stress? Your mental health matters. Take the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself—both personally and professionally. Connect with Jonathan Riley at My Practice Counselling and start your journey to clarity, resilience, and growth. Book your session today at https://mypracticecounselling.com.au/ and lead with confidence by prioritising your well-being.