You know this, as leaders, we’re wired to push forward, through deadlines, big initiatives, and the weight of responsibility. But not all effort is created equal. There’s a powerful difference between the kind of stretch that builds strength and the kind of strain that quietly chips away at your well-being.

Are you aware of the difference in your day-to-day?

Strength comes when challenges stretch your skills in ways that expand your capacity. You may feel tired, but it’s a fulfilling tired, the kind that signals growth, resilience, and progress.

Strain, on the other hand, drains. It leaves you depleted, disconnected from your purpose, and more exhausted than energized. Over time, strain erodes both your effectiveness, confidence, and your sense of fulfillment.

The difference lies in awareness. Self-aware leaders know when to ask themselves:

 

When you learn to recognize the line between strength and strain, you protect not only your own capacity but also the culture you create for your team. Because when leaders model sustainable growth, they give everyone around them permission to thrive.

Moment of Reflection: Where in your leadership are you stretching, and where are you straining?