Let’s talk about Chad.
Chad’s a solid guy. He leads a team at work, shows up for his family, volunteers at church when he can, and coaches his kid’s soccer team. Last weekend, he finally got away for a few days with his buddies for a fishing trip—something he’d been looking forward to for months.
But like most dads, coming home wasn’t exactly restful. The house was upside down, the kids were over-tired, and the “vacation” ended with a late night and an early alarm. By Monday morning, Chad walked into the office already drained—and then a crisis hit. Staff conflict, a budget issue, a project gone sideways.
That’s when it happened.
He snapped at a colleague. He couldn’t focus in the meeting. And by lunch, he found himself sitting in his car just… staring. Empty. Frustrated. Done.
Ever been there?
Leadership Doesn’t Mean Running on Fumes
Somewhere along the way, a lot of us picked up the lie that leaders just power through. You push harder, dig deeper, and get stuff done—whether or not your soul is screaming for rest.
But here’s the truth: You can’t lead well from a dry well.
When you’re physically exhausted, emotionally fried, and spiritually running on empty, something has to give. And often, it’s the people around you who feel it first—your spouse, your team, your kids, even your own body.
You’re Not Weak—You’re Human
Let’s say it plainly: Being tired doesn’t mean you’re a failure.It just means you’re human. Even Jesus took naps. (Seriously—check Mark 4. He’s asleep on a boat during a storm.)
So what can you do when you’re in Chad’s shoes—bone tired, emotionally thin, and staring down another full week?
Try These: Soul-Care Steps That Actually Help
1. Don’t Limit Your Rejuvenation Tools
Think beyond the usual “self-care” slogans. You need real tools to refill what’s been drained.
2. Your Emotions Might Just Be Tired Too
When you’re this worn out, every emotion feels bigger.
Chad didn’t yell at his coworker because he hates him. He did it because he was depleted. Tiredness turns small irritations into eruptions. It makes normal decisions feel overwhelming.
Pause and check in with yourself:
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is name what’s going on and give yourself permission to not fix it all today.
3. Share the Load—You’re Not Superhuman
Leadership can feel lonely, but isolation isn’t heroic—it’s harmful.
Chad ended up texting a teammate and asking for help covering one of his meetings. And you know what? The world didn’t fall apart. He was met with grace, not judgment.
Share the burden. Delegate. Ask your spouse to take dinner duty. Call a friend and let them carry your emotional backpack for a day. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the week.
4. Don’t Just Check Your Calendar—Check in With God
When was the last time you stopped long enough to ask God how you’re doing?
Sometimes we ask Him to bless our hustle when He’s just whispering, “You need rest. Come rest with Me.”God isn’t impressed by your performance or productivity. He’s drawn to your honesty. Your weariness. Your willingness to be still. If Jesus could step away from crowds to pray, you can step away from your inbox to breathe.
Final Thought: Refill Before You Crash
If you’re like Chad, you’ve probably got a lot of people depending on you. That’s real. But it doesn’t mean you have to lead empty. You’re leading no one well on empty—least of all yourself.
Refill first.
Rest without guilt.
Lead from wholeness—not just willpower.
Leadership is a gift—but it needs fuel. Let your next step be a small act of restoration. A nap. A breath. A prayer. A sandwich.
Because you matter. It IS that simple.
Lead well.
