As nonprofit professionals you are no stranger to the demands of leadership. Your work is deeply meaningful—empowering communities, advocating for change, and building organizations that make a difference. But let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause and ask yourself: Am I taking care of myself as much as I’m taking care of my organization? 

I recently facilitated multiple cohorts in an 8-week Positive Intelligence (PQ) program. The program’s focus was on fostering mental fitness, resilience, and emotional awareness. The results are inspiring and reinforce a fundamental truth: taking care of our self isn’t a luxury—it is necessary for effective leadership. 

Here are some insights from the program that may inspire you to start 2025 by prioritizing yourself. 

Why Self-Care Matters for Leaders 

The PQ program participants reported that stress, self-doubt, and burnout were real challenges in their professional lives. Sound familiar? As leaders, you are often the person guiding your organization through challenges, and the world continues to throw plenty of challenges our way, but how often do you care for yourself? 

Here’s what we learned: 

• ‍Stress Is Common and Manageable: 40% of participants acknowledged that their jobs caused significant stress. However, those who engaged in the program experienced measurable improvements in emotional resilience and optimism. Recognizing and managing stress is crucial—not just for your own well-being, but also for the energy and focus you bring to your team. 
• You Are Not Alone: Weekly calls created a space for open and honest conversations about what was working and what wasn’t. This transparency fostered connection and helped participants feel less isolated in their stress. 
• Self-Sabotage Is Real: Many participants identified self-sabotaging tendencies, such as hyper-achiever, pleaser, or restless, that drained their focus and productivity. Becoming aware of these “saboteurs” is a powerful first step in regaining control of your mindset and behavior. 

Small Changes, Big Impact 

The program’s structured framework included app-guided mental fitness exercises and weekly Zoom sessions. Participants reported: 

• Improved Inner Dialogue: 70% said their inner monologue became more positive, helping them respond to challenges with clarity and confidence. 
• Confidence and Resilience: 85% felt more capable of handling challenges, while 88% expressed confidence in their ability to excel at work. 
• Better Relationships: Over 85% maintained positive relationships with colleagues, and many highlighted newfound patience and grace when resolving conflicts. 

These outcomes didn’t come from huge changes—they came from small, intentional shifts in perspective, habits, and self-awareness. 

What You Can Do Right Now 

As you step into this new year, here are some ideas to help you prioritize your wellness while continuing to lead with impact: 

1. ‍Acknowledge Your Stress: Take time to reflect on what’s causing stress. Is it workload? Difficult relationships? A lack of boundaries? What are you telling yourself about the situation? How are your thoughts impacting your stress?  ‍
2. Explore Mental Fitness Practices: Start small by writing down what you are grateful for, practice mindfulness, journal, get outside and move your body.  ‍
3. Foster Supportive Relationships: Intentionally cultivate your network of peers who understand the unique challenges of nonprofit leadership. Sharing your experiences with others can reduce feelings of isolation and provide fresh perspectives. 
4. Be Kind to Yourself: Empathy toward self is key to resilience. Embrace the idea that your mistakes don’t define you—they are opportunities to learn and grow. 
5. Invest in Personal Development: Whether it’s joining a cohort program, working with a coach, or attending a retreat, investing in yourself will impact both your wellness and your organization’s success. 

The Ripple Effect of Caring for Yourself 

One participant in the PQ program said it best: “This program has helped me exercise grace toward myself and others in a way I hadn’t imagined." 

When you take the time to care for yourself, you set an example for your team, your board, and your community. You bring a calmer mind, a fuller heart, and a stronger sense of purpose to your work. 

The new year is an opportunity to recommit—to your mission, your team, and most importantly, yourself. So, as you write down your goals for 2025, make sure “taking care of me” is at the top of the list. 

You deserve to be at your best. 

If you're interested in learning more about the Positive Intelligence program, join our info session at 12:00 PM on January 27. The program will kick off with sessions on Tuesday, February 11, and Tuesday, February 18, followed by six consecutive sessions held on Mondays. 

‍

Katie Weeks is a Senior Advisor with Armstrong McGuire who specializes in coaching, executive searches, and team and staff retreats. Learn more about Katie and check out her other musings in her bio. Be sure to also check out Katie's recent video on Coaching and Staff Development.

‍