I’ve always believed that taking care of others is a core part of being human. Whether it’s leading a team, supporting a friend, or even just showing up for your family, giving your energy to those you care about feels right.

But here’s the thing I’ve come to realize in my own life: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

It sounds simple, almost too obvious. But, trust me, it’s something I’ve had to learn the hard way. For years, I thought I could juggle everything – work, personal commitments, and helping others – without taking a step back to check in with myself. The truth is, though, that I wasn’t being the kind of leader or friend or colleague I wanted to be. I was running on fumes, and it was showing in my work, my relationships, and my own well-being.

For a while, I wore burnout like a badge of honor. After all, wasn’t this just part of the hustle? Push harder, give more, keep going. But I realized that, in that cycle, I was slowly losing my sense of purpose and the very energy I needed to help others. I wasn’t leading effectively. I wasn’t fully present. And I wasn’t thriving. It hit me: the best way to be there for others is to first be there for myself.

It’s a lesson I try to remind myself of every day now: self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s the opposite. The more I care for myself, the more I can give to those around me – whether that’s through coaching others, building something bigger than myself, or simply showing up with the energy to truly listen and connect.

This idea isn’t just abstract – it’s practical. In my work with social impact organizations, I’ve seen this firsthand. Leaders come to me with bright, bold ideas to make a difference in the world. They’re passionate, driven, and ready to change things. But somewhere along the way, they forget about themselves in the process. They give and give until there’s nothing left.

And what happens?

The passion wanes. The ideas become foggy. The people they’re trying to help aren’t getting the best of them because the leaders are operating from an empty place.

And here’s the truth I’ve discovered: The impact we have on the world is only as strong as the energy we bring to it.

If you’re depleted, your work will be depleted. If you’re running low, your influence will fade. So, I’ve started taking a different approach. I prioritize myself – not because I’m trying to be self-centered, but because I know I can’t effectively give to anyone if I’m not filled up first.

This has meant taking time to actually stop and rest. To turn off my phone, step away from the emails, and simply take a walk or have a conversation with someone I care about. I’ve learned that rest isn’t a reward for hard work – it’s an integral part of that work. And it’s not just physical rest. It’s mental and emotional restoration, too. I spend time reflecting, journaling, and finding moments of quiet so I can think clearly. These practices give me the clarity to make better decisions, connect more deeply with others, and be the kind of person who can make an impact – not from a place of exhaustion, but from a place of strength.

This shift has been transformational in my life. I’m not perfect at it, and I still have moments where I slip into old habits. But every time I choose to prioritize myself, I see the difference. It shows up in how I lead. It shows up in how I approach my work. It shows up in my ability to be present with my family and friends. And, most importantly, it shows up in how I show up for myself.

It’s a bit like when you’re on a plane and they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. It’s not that you don’t care about others – it’s that you need to be able to breathe yourself in order to help anyone else. This is true in life too. You can’t be an effective leader, a great friend, or a supportive colleague if you’re constantly running on empty. And that means that, yes, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.

For me, it also ties back to the way I approach leadership. My core belief is that leadership comes from within. It’s about being grounded, centered, and in tune with your own needs and boundaries. And when I’m at my best, I’m able to lead with authenticity, humility, and empathy. But that requires making space for myself, for my own needs, and for my own well-being.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t mean adding a bunch of new things to your schedule or spending hours at the gym. It can be as simple as checking in with yourself, making sure you’re getting enough sleep, or carving out time to connect with what makes you feel alive. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to see that the better you take care of yourself, the better you can show up for others.

So, as you move through your day – whether you’re leading a team, building something new, or just trying to make it through the week – remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. You owe it to yourself and to those around you to make sure your cup is full first. The world needs the best of you, and you can’t give that if you’re running on empty.

Fill your cup. Lead from a place of strength. And watch the impact you make ripple out in ways you never imagined.