As a new principal, I had an abundance of energy, ambition, and the firm belief that I could handle anything. Like many leaders, I was driven by a desire to make a difference, to support my staff and students, and to be the superhero my school needed. But what I didn’t realize was that in trying to be everything for everyone, I was running myself into the ground.

By the middle of my second year as principal, I was burned out. I wasn’t just tired; I was exhausted in every sense of the word. My days were filled with back-to-back meetings, responding to crises, and trying to juggle all the demands of leading a school. I prided myself on being available at all times, but in doing so, I failed to make time for myself. I didn’t prioritize rest, I skipped workouts, and I rarely took time to step away and recharge.

Then came the breaking point. It was winter break, and I was supposed to Travel to be in my best friend’s wedding. He had been a constant in my life, one of the people I could always count on, and I had looked forward to standing by his side as he said, “I do.” But just a couple of days before the ceremony, I got so sick that I couldn’t go. I was devastated.

It wasn’t just the disappointment of missing the wedding; it was the guilt. My best friend was incredibly understanding—he forgave me before I even asked—but I couldn’t forgive myself. I knew that my illness wasn’t just bad luck; it was a result of how I had been living and leading. I had convinced myself that getting sick during breaks was normal, even convenient, because I wouldn’t miss work. But this time, my exhaustion and overwhelm had robbed me of something deeply personal and meaningful.

Sitting at home that weekend, too sick to get out of bed, I had a lot of time to think. I realized that I had been neglecting one of the most critical aspects of leadership: taking care of myself. How could I expect to lead effectively when I wasn’t showing up as my best self? How could I inspire others when I was running on empty?

That winter break marked a turning point for me. I knew something had to change, and I committed to doing the work to make it happen. I started by reevaluating how I was spending my time and energy. I sought out a leadership coach, who helped me clarify my priorities and build systems to manage my time more effectively. One of the most transformative shifts was learning to delegate and trust others to handle tasks that didn’t require my direct involvement.

I also made a conscious effort to take better care of my physical and Mental Health. I began carving out time for Exercise, ensuring I got enough Sleep, and setting boundaries around my work. These changes didn’t just improve my well-being; they made me a better leader. When I showed up rested and focused, I could give my team and my school the energy and attention they deserved.

As leaders, it’s so easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. We tell ourselves that it’s noble to sacrifice, that the work will fall apart without us, and that taking a break is a luxury we can’t afford. But the truth is, when we neglect ourselves, we’re not just hurting ourselves—we’re shortchanging the people we lead. Leadership isn’t about being a martyr; it’s about being present, intentional, and capable of making a lasting impact.

I’ll never get back the chance to be in my best friend’s wedding, and I’ll always carry a sense of regret about that. But I’m grateful for the lesson it taught me. It forced me to confront the unsustainable way I was living and to make changes that have not only improved my leadership but also my life.

If you’re a leader who feels like you’re on the edge of Burnout, I encourage you to take a step back and ask yourself: What would happen if you made yourself a priority? What if you invested in your own well-being with the same passion and commitment you bring to your work?

Remember, the best gift you can give to your school, your team, and yourself is a leader who is healthy, focused, and fully present. Don’t wait until you hit the wall to make a change. Start today—your future self will thank you.

‘Take Control of Your Leadership’ Webinar

Join me on December 30 for the FREE Take Control of Your Leadership webinar. This interactive session is designed to help school leaders like you lead with Clarity and purpose in 2025.

• What You’ll Learn:
  • How to clarify your leadership priorities and values.
  • Strategies to recognize, reward, and reinforce the behaviors you want to see in your school.
  • Time management techniques to align your actions with your goals.
• Action Steps:
  • Register today to secure your spot at www.theprincipalacademy.com/realresults
  • Bring your goals and questions to make the session as actionable as possible.

Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.