Early in my career, I learned one of the most valuable lessons about leadership and performance: the importance of recharging your battery.
At the time, I was working long hours and spending countless days on the phone with customers. I pushed myself hard, but eventually, I hit a wall. My energy was gone, and burnout had set in. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t operating at my best. What I really needed was a break.
Even though my manager frowned upon taking days off, I took the risk. I remember being nervous as I asked for the time, but I knew it was necessary. That day, I spent time with my girlfriend—who is now my wife of 30 years. We went to the beach, saw a movie, and simply enjoyed the day.
The next morning, something incredible happened: I walked into work with my “A” game back. Just one day off had restored my energy and reset my mindset. That experience stayed with me throughout my career, especially once I began leading teams.
As a manager, I always encouraged my people to take time off when they felt themselves burning out. Sometimes, all it takes is a single day to reset and come back stronger.
The truth is, we all run low from time to time. Success isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about knowing when to step back, recharge, and return with renewed energy. Leaders who recognize this not only protect their own performance, but also create healthier, more sustainable teams.
So, the next time you feel drained, find your happy place and remember: taking care of your battery isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. Your best performance depends on it.