Leading Yourself - You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup

October 06, 2026•4 min read

Leading Yourself - You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup

Leadership can be demanding. The days are full, the decisions are important, and there always seems to be someone who needs your time, attention, or support. We often spend so much energy taking care of our students, clients, teams, organizations, families, and communities that we forget to take care of the person responsible for all of it—ourselves.

Self-care is not selfish. It is leadership.

When we are physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally healthy, we are better equipped to lead with patience, clarity, perspective, and purpose. When we are running on empty, even small challenges can feel overwhelming. The quality of our leadership is directly connected to the condition of the person doing the leading.

Well-being doesn't have to mean making dramatic changes. Sometimes it means making small, intentional choices every day. Get outside. Take a walk. Exercise. Read something that challenges or inspires you. Put down the phone. Have dinner with someone you care about. Get enough sleep. Take a few minutes to simply breathe and reset.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to recognize that you don't have to be "on" all the time.

Three Actions for Taking Care of Yourself

1. Protect Your Time.

Schedule time for yourself just like you schedule time for everyone else. If it matters, put it on the calendar.

2. Find Your Reset.

Know what helps you recharge—exercise, golf, reading, family, faith, nature, music, a walk of gratitude, or simply quiet time—and make it part of your routine.

3. Check In With Yourself.

Ask yourself regularly: How am I doing? What do I need? What do I need to let go of? Don't wait until you're exhausted to pay attention.

The people we lead don't need a perfect leader. They need a healthy, present, and authentic one.

Take care of yourself—not just because you deserve it, but because your leadership matters. When we take care of ourselves, we are better prepared to Serve, Support, and Help others.

RLR provides what you deserve!

Serve. Support. Help Leaders and Their Organizations.

– Randy L. Russell, Ph.D.

President, RLR Leadership Consulting

🙌Five-Star Support

We’re grateful for the incredible feedback from our community! Here’s one of the latest five-star reviews that reminds us why we do what we do.

Are you ready to develop or update your Strategic Plan for 2026-27?

A special thank you to our growing number of clients/partners who trust RLR with developing their Strategic Plans.

Apsaalokee Nation Housing Authority

Cape Flattery, WA SD

Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce

Hardin, MT SD

North Central ESD 171

North Central WA Arts Alliance

Rural Resources Community Action

Tillamook, OR SD

...just to name a few

Contact us today for your free consultation with Randy (509.701.4947) and Erich (509.430.5548)

Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project

Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—your inner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.

Sometimes, those relationships give you energy and push you forward. Other times, they hold you back. That’s why RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project have teamed up to create Your Inner Circle—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape the connections that matter most.

In this experience, you’ll:

Identify who truly belongs in your circle
Learn how to set healthy boundaries when needed
Build trust that actually lasts
Choose connections that make you stronger

Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills—it’s about people. And the people closest to you can either empower your growth or limit your potential.

We’d love for you to join us. As a special opportunity, use code Randy15 for a discounted price—but hurry, this offer won’t last long.
https://thecorepro.com/coregroups/p/your-inner-circle-curriculum

Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.

If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.