The Empty Cup Principle: Why Self-Care Is Your Most Important Leadership Tool
Leadership is one of life's greatest privileges. Whether you're guiding a team, managing a household, or mentoring others, it's an honor to have people look to you for direction. But I've learned through experience that leadership can also be incredibly lonely—carrying the weight of responsibility while trying to stay grounded isn't easy.
You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup
Here's the truth I've had to learn the hard way: you literally cannot pour from an empty cup. When I focused entirely on my work, my team, and my goals while neglecting myself, the result was predictable—burnout, loss of clarity, and the feeling that I was running on fumes.
For years, I didn't even recognize myself as a leader. I owned a gym and thought I was just training people, not realizing I was leading a community and guiding my team to become better trainers. Once I understood the leadership role I had stepped into, I saw how critical self-care was to doing it well.
My Five Leadership Self-Care Strategies
These practical approaches have transformed how I show up as a leader:
1. Audit Your Day
Recently, I sat down and tracked my entire day—what I was doing and when. This helped me discover time drains (like spending 45 minutes scrolling after posting content) and opportunities to delegate tasks that weren't the best use of my skills.
2. Get Curious (Not Critical)
When I find myself not doing what I know I should, I now have conversations with myself out loud: "Angela, why are you not drinking water throughout the day? Do you really not have time?" This curiosity without judgment helps me break through resistance.
3. Non-Negotiable Self-Care
For me, this means training a few times weekly, taking walks, and journaling. These aren't indulgences—they're essential practices that keep me strong and clear-headed. And when I prioritize them, I model healthy habits for my team.
4. Embrace Vulnerability
Recently, I told my integrator, "I'm having a hard time figuring out these tasks. Can we sit down together?" That vulnerability—once something I avoided—brought us closer and moved the business forward in ways my false strength never could.
5. Celebrate Every Win
How often do we complete a successful launch and immediately move to the next challenge? I'm learning to pause, breathe, and celebrate wins with my team. It builds momentum and reminds us what's possible.
Questions I Ask Myself Weekly
- What does being a great leader mean to me right now?
- How am I showing up for myself?
- What's one thing I can do this week for better self-care?
- How can I better support my team?
- What progress can I celebrate?
Remember this: to build your team, you need to build yourself first. Prioritize your growth, health, and mindset. When you lead from strength and alignment, you inspire your team to do the same.
What if building yourself is your most powerful leadership strategy? What if it's already going right?
