My Top Takeaway in 2024: Overdrive

In my work with leaders, I’ve noticed a very concerning theme this year. Maybe it’s not entirely new, or perhaps the increase hasn’t truly been dramatic—but my perception is that it has intensified. And it’s stealing little pieces of our souls every single day.

This thief is the relentless pace we set for ourselves in the name of impact. This constant push to do more—I call it overdrive—is quietly eroding our sharpness, resilience, ambition, and, most importantly, our joy.

And yet, so many leaders I know feel the suffocating weight of this without feeling like they have permission to slow down.

What if the massive goals we set are forcing us into a no-win situation? What if living your true purpose isn’t about stretching yourself so thin that creativity, harmony, and bliss become harder to access? And what if, in a strange way, your drive to do more is actually what’s holding you back?

We know that recovery isn’t optional—it’s essential. Leaders must embrace the power of intentional recovery to sustain both themselves and their mission. This means moving beyond the idea that restorative practices are indulgent and recognizing them instead as the foundation of effective leadership. Blocking time for “focus sprints” to tackle deep, uninterrupted work, scheduling non-negotiable downtime, and engaging in activities like experiential practices (e.g., nature immersion), sensory therapies (e.g., cold exposure), and micro-adventures are not luxuries—they’re necessities.

It is my hope that one day we can create a culture that normalizes boundaries and prioritizes sustainable work rhythms. Perhaps we can each start taking small steps in that direction within our own work environments. After all, if we don’t begin to introduce the behavior, nothing will change.

I’ve seen firsthand that when leaders reclaim their energy and realign with their mission, they lead with clarity, purpose, strength—and joy.