Many leaders, especially those in caregiving, healing, or service-oriented roles, start their careers with a deep desire to help others. It's part of what makes them effective, empathetic, and driven.

But over time, that same instinct can become a trap. When the world is full of struggle and you’ve built your identity around supporting others, it’s easy to lose track of your own needs.

Here’s the hard truth: you can’t truly help others if you’re drowning yourself.

1. Get to the Platform First

Imagine you're in water and people around you are struggling. There’s a solid platform nearby, just big enough to stand on. If you swim to it, you can catch your breath and help others find their way too. But if you try to save everyone without finding your footing first, you’ll go under with them.

That’s the image we shared with one leader in a recent session, a reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. You can't lead, support, or uplift others if you’re exhausted, anxious, or emotionally flooded.

Ask yourself: Where’s my platform right now? Am I giving myself the grounding I need?

2. Release the Guilt Around Self-Care

Some people carry early messages that self-love is self-indulgent. That focusing on your own well-being means you’re not doing enough for others. These ideas are especially common in service professions and religious or cultural traditions that emphasize self-sacrifice.

But here’s the reframe: self-care is leadership.

When you take care of your body, your mind, your finances, or your spirit, you become more capable of offering real support to others. You show what’s possible, not through words, but through presence.

3. Your Power Doesn’t Come From the Outside

Many high-achieving professionals come to believe their power depends on external systems, whether that’s funding, praise, status, or institutional approval. And when those systems get shaky (as they often do), it can feel like a personal collapse.

But true leadership power starts from within.

It comes from knowing your value, understanding your purpose, and having tools to stay grounded, even when everything around you feels unstable.

Start small: practice gratitude. Count your blessings. Remind yourself that you’re safe, capable, and resourced, even in difficult moments.