How I stay human while I'm building my little empire (Hint: Stillness over speed)
’ve been talking with a lot of leaders lately, and a common thread keeps coming up: a quiet sense of overwhelm. You’re building a successful business, but it feels like you’re running on a high-speed treadmill that never stops.
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Every day, a new AI tool or strategy promises to make you faster, smarter, and more efficient. The pressure to keep up is immense, and it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself in the race. You’re not just a leader; you’re a human being, and you’re navigating a world that feels more robotic by the minute.
AND… we’re all trying to do it with our primitive brains that haven’t yet caught up with the technology. We are literally making ourselves sick to death.
Just so you know… It’s okay to admit that it’s exhausting.
One of the very best ways to get where you want to go, is to ask for help.
According to a recent McKinsey study, 62% of women leaders and 55% of men leaders report feeling consistently burned out at work. These aren’t just entry-level employees; these are the people at the top, feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.
The truth is, the answer isn’t to work harder or move faster. That’s a trap. In a world increasingly powered by automation, your most valuable asset isn’t a piece of software… it’s your humanity. It’s your capacity for empathy, connection, and purpose.
The real work isn’t about adapting to AI; it’s about anchoring yourself in what makes you, and your leadership, truly human.
A Story of Finding Stillness
I recently spoke with my client “Mark.” He built a thriving company, but his success had a cost. His days were a blur of back-to-back meetings, a constant stream of notifications, and the relentless feeling that he was always behind.
He was so caught up in the digital whirlwind of his business that he had no space to breathe, to think, or to connect with his team and family. He told me he felt like he was losing the very passion that had driven him to succeed in the first place.
Make sure you’re keeping the main thing, the main thing… health and relationships first.
This isn’t just a feeling. It’s a proven problem. A Gallup study of over 7,500 full-time employees found that two-thirds of workers experience burnout on the job. Mark’s story isn’t unique. It’s the silent struggle of leaders who are succeeding on the outside but feeling hollow on the inside.
Instead of piling on more tasks, we focused on carving out moments of stillness. We started small: just 15 minutes of quiet time each morning, a moment to reflect on what truly mattered that day. He began intentionally putting his phone away during team lunches and making time for one-on-one conversations without an agenda. The change wasn’t immediate, but over time, he felt his energy returning. He realized his most impactful decisions didn’t come from a frantic pace but from a place of calm and clarity.
Mark’s journey isn’t just about business growth… it’s about a deeper, more fulfilling way to lead. It’s about rediscovering the human connection that fuels all great work.
How I Stay Anchored in a World of AI
People often ask me how I find my peace and build my human life in this automated, AI-driven world. The truth is, it’s not about grand gestures or radical changes. It’s about small, intentional habits that protect my inner world from the external noise.
When we start with mindfulness, the day moves mindfully.
I’ve come to realize that my day needs to start with a mindful pause. Before I touch my phone or open my laptop, I take a few moments to just sit in the quiet. It’s a simple act of breathing and being that sets the tone for my entire day, helping me navigate from a place of clarity rather than reaction.
I also make a conscious effort to schedule “human-only” time. In a world of digital communication, I prioritize real, face-to-face interactions. I’ll get lunch with a team member without a business agenda, or I’ll call a loved one just to check in. These moments of genuine connection are powerful anchors.
I also believe in auditing my information diet. My mind can only handle so much. I’m intentional about what I consume online, unsubscribing from newsletters that create anxiety and muting social media accounts that leave me drained. I control my feed; I don’t let it control me.
No amount of money is worth your mental OR physical health.
And since our minds are living in the digital world but our bodies are in the real one, I make sure to reconnect with my body. I find an activity that forces me to be present and grounded, whether it’s a walk in nature, a workout, or a hobby I love.
Finally, I’ve found that I don’t have to do this alone. I’ve cultivated my own personal board of directors… a small group of trusted peers with whom I can be vulnerable and share my struggles. In a world of algorithms, these human connections are my greatest source of wisdom and support.
If you’re struggling to find flow, grow your business and get centered in this Ai automated world, there are a few ways I can help:
- Join The 360° Board: A Personal Advisory Board For Elite Leaders (HERE)
- Setup a FREE 20 minute call with me directly to talk about possibilities (HERE)
- Let’s connect on Linkedin along with 190,000 other Elite Leaders (HERE)
- The Elite Leaders Newsletter with 135,000+ subscribers (HERE)
I know what it’s like to suffer and struggle in silence. I’ve built an amazing life after 15 years of addiction and struggle. And, I’ve helped thousands to the same thing. Let’s connect and find out how.
