As the year winds down, many of us are reflecting on the challenges and triumphs we’ve faced. For me, it’s been a year of growth, both personally and professionally—but not without its share of busyness and personal hurdles. Recently, I realised it was time to take a step back: to spend quality time with family, focus on what truly matters, and recharge.
As leaders and managers, we often put the needs of others first—our teams, our organisations, and our families. But when we neglect ourselves, our ability to support others is compromised. Taking time for self-care and practicing self-compassion isn’t indulgent; it’s essential for sustainable leadership.
Martin Seligman’s PERMA model offers a powerful lens to understand this:
Positive Emotion: Regular self-care allows us to experience joy and gratitude, boosting our energy. Deliberately fostering positive emotions like gratitude, joy, and hope isn’t just about feeling good; it also broadens your perspective and builds resilience.
Engagement: When we’re well-rested, we can immerse ourselves fully in tasks that matter. When we’re fully engaged in meaningful activities, we experience a state of flow—losing track of time as we immerse ourselves. However, burnout or neglecting self-care can rob us of this sense of involvement.
Relationships: Taking time for ourselves strengthens our ability to nurture meaningful connections with others. Relationships are central to our well-being, both personally and professionally. When we take care of ourselves, we can be more present and supportive for others.
Meaning: A sense of purpose helps us persevere through challenges, but it’s easy to lose sight of this when we’re overstretched. Taking a step back allows us to reconnect with what truly matters. Pausing to reflect reminds us of the "why" behind our work and personal lives.
Achievement: Accomplishments give us a sense of pride and fulfilment. However, striving for constant productivity can be counterproductive without adequate rest and self-compassion. A refreshed mind and body enable us to pursue goals with focus and resilience.
Why This Matters for Leaders
Each element of PERMA is interconnected, and as leaders, our well-being significantly impacts the energy, morale, and success of those we lead. When we prioritize self-care, we model resilience and balance for our teams—key qualities of compassionate leadership.
Signs You May Need Self-Compassion
You feel constantly drained or overwhelmed.
You’re struggling to focus or make decisions.
You’re irritable or less patient with colleagues, family, or yourself.
You’ve stopped doing things you enjoy or that energize you.
Practical Ways to Recharge and Reconnect with Yourself
Cultivate Positive Emotions:
Regularly reflect on what brings you joy and gratitude.
Try this: Write down three things that went well each day to build a habit of focusing on the positive.
Engage in Meaningful Activities:
Rediscover hobbies or passions that energize and fulfil you.
Try this: Set aside time each week for an activity that helps you lose track of time, whether it's reading, painting, or gardening.
Strengthen Relationships:
Nurture your connections by being fully present with loved ones.
Try this: Schedule regular, uninterrupted time with family or friends—whether it’s a simple dinner or a walk together.
Revisit Your Purpose:
Reflect on what truly matters and realign your actions with your values.
Try this: Spend a quiet moment journaling about your core values and how your current priorities reflect them.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Recognize and appreciate your progress, even if it feels minor.
Try this: End each workday by jotting down one thing you accomplished, no matter how small.
Set Healthy Boundaries:
Protect your time and energy by saying no to things that deplete you.
Try this: Block off time in your calendar for rest or personal priorities and honour it like a meeting.
Ask for Support:
Leadership doesn’t mean going it alone—delegate or share responsibilities when you need to.
Try this: Identify one task this week that someone else can handle and let them take it on.
Recharge Physically and Mentally:
Give yourself the space to recover and renew.
Try this: Dedicate 10 minutes each day to mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to clear your mind.
By taking care of yourself, you’re not just refuelling for the future; you’re laying the foundation for more meaningful engagement, stronger relationships, and greater success in the year ahead.
By investing in your own well-being, you strengthen your ability to lead with empathy, creativity, and clarity. This holiday season, give yourself permission to pause. Your team—and your loved ones—will thank you for it.
Ready to Recharge Your Leadership?
At Faye Beddow Consulting, we’re passionate about helping leaders create compassionate workplaces. If you're looking for workshops or consultancy to foster well-being and resilience in your organisation, let’s connect.
Wishing you a season of rest and renewal,
Faye
P.S. Start 2025 as the leader your team deserves — energised and ready to inspire.
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