Rest, Reflection and Leadership
As the holiday season ramps up and year-end goals loom large, it’s easy for leaders to fall into a cycle of pushing through the chaos without taking a moment to breathe. But here's the paradox: the busier the season, the more essential it is to make time for rest, reflection and intentionality.
Rest isn’t just a personal need—it’s a leadership strategy. Modeling rest and intentional living benefits not just you but your entire team. It’s a way of leading by example and fostering a culture where balance and purpose thrive, even in the busiest seasons.
Rest Matters: The Science Behind Leadership and Well-Being
Research tells us that rest is essential for decision-making, emotional regulation and long-term productivity. Leaders who prioritize rest and recovery are more effective, resilient and emotionally intelligent.
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that regular rest leads to greater job satisfaction, reduced burnout and higher levels of creativity (Sonnentag & Fritz, 2007). Another study from Harvard Business Review highlights that leaders who model healthy work-life boundaries reduce burnout in their teams by 70% (HBR, 2020).
Rest is a leadership tool that allows you to recharge, focus and return to your responsibilities with clarity and energy. The best part? When leaders embrace rest, their teams feel permission to do the same.
The Eight Pillars of Happiness and the Busy Season
As leaders, we often ask others to reflect on their priorities and focus on what matters most, but how often do we do the same for ourselves? Three of the Eight Pillars of Happiness—Feeling, Authenticity and Purpose—can guide us through this season, ensuring we thrive while still leading effectively.
Feeling: Knowing When to Rest and When to Push
Great leadership starts with self-awareness. Do you know when your body and mind need a break? Or are you pushing through exhaustion out of habit?
Practice Rest Awareness: Pause and ask yourself, “Do I need rest right now or can I push through?” Listen to your internal cues—your body knows the answer better than you think.
Model It for Your Team: Be vocal about your boundaries. Let your team know it’s okay to rest, recharge and return stronger.
💡 Tip: Schedule 10-minute breaks into your workday where you completely unplug. Encourage your team to do the same.
Authenticity: Designing Time for What Matters Most
During busy seasons, it’s easy to lose sight of what brings us joy and fulfillment. But staying connected to what you love makes the chaos more manageable.
Revisit What You Love: What activities, relationships or passions make you feel alive? Make intentional time for these—even if it’s just 30 minutes a day.
Lead Authentically: Share what you’re prioritizing with your team. Show them that thriving isn’t about perfection; it’s about staying true to what matters most.
💡 Tip: Create a "holiday joy list" with a few activities that bring you happiness. Schedule them like you would any other priority.
Purpose: Staying Intentional in the Chaos
When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get swept up in the busyness. That’s why this is the time to double down on your purpose and goals.
Ask What Truly Matters: In work, home and life, what are the 2-3 things that matter most to you this season? Focus your time and energy there.
Align Your Leadership: Help your team prioritize their goals by identifying the most meaningful outcomes to work toward together.
💡 Tip: Use a quick reflection exercise with your team. Ask: "What is one thing you want to accomplish this week and how can we support you in getting there?"
Simple Strategies for Leading Through Rest and Intentionality
Set boundaries early. Block time on your calendar for rest and reflection. Share this with your team so they know when you’re unplugged—and encourage them to do the same.
Communicate priorities clearly. Identify the key goals for the end of the year and focus your team’s energy there. Clarity eliminates unnecessary stress and distractions.
Celebrate progress, not just outcomes. Acknowledge your team’s efforts, even if the final goals aren’t yet reached. Gratitude fuels engagement and keeps motivation high.
Lead by example. Rest isn’t a weakness—it’s a strategy. Show your team that prioritizing well-being enhances, rather than hinders, productivity and creativity.
Rest as a Leadership Superpower
This busy season, rest isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone you lead. By practicing Feeling, Authenticity and Purpose, you not only show up as your best self but also empower your team to do the same.
Intentionality during chaos isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. As leaders, when we model rest, joy and focus, we pave the way for others to flourish—at work, at home and beyond.
Be Intentional with Simple Power-Ups
Imagine leading a team where rest, purpose and authenticity drive engagement and performance—even during the busiest seasons. Ready to set that tone?
Download my guide, 50 Easy Power-Ups to Supercharge Your Team and discover practical ways to energize and uplift your team today.
