Work is an essential component for leaders in every organization.  However, work should not consistently over shadow other aspects of a leader’s life. We are only capable of taking on so much before physical and emotional resources are depleted. The more responsibility a leader shoulders the more important it is to pay attention to one’s emotional reactions to daily and sometimes unrealistic demands. 

A leader shared recently that her instinct was telling her to take action on something that would affect her personally and professionally. As I listened it was clear that she was eagerly anticipating the change; but instead of acting she decided to put it on hold “for now.” Her logic was sound, but I silently hoped that the decision to not follow her gut would not have negative consequences.  Your emotional response or gut feeling may be the first sign that your priorities are not aligned with your values or your personal needs.  Paying attention provides the opportunity to adopt a more balanced approach or make a necessary change.