Early in my leadership career, I would fill my calendar to the brim.
Endless meetings.
Often no lunch or breaks.
Plus overtime.
It was this weird badge of honor for me. A tangible way that I could prove to my own leadership that I was worth what they were paying me. Having empty space on my schedule almost made me feel guilty. I told myself this story in my mind that getting ahead meant I needed to put in more hours. Leaving early or coming in late or taking too much time off might have sent the wrong message, I feared.
Like it does for so many, keeping that pace left me feeling burnt out. And keeping that pace also meant that other areas of my life suffered.
These days I find that I am a better version of myself when I'm more intentional about leaving empty space. I show up as a better strategist, creative agent, and partner to my clients when I leave room in my week to rest, think, and dream. I also show up better for my family and friends.
I know it seems counterintuitive at first, but you might be amazed at what happens when you leave a little extra room in your day and start wearing intentionality as a badge of honor, rather than busy-ness.
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