One of the most common struggles I see with my clients—managing partners and law firm CEOs—is the feeling that they should have it all under control. That they should be able to juggle everything: leadership, clients, team development, business growth, and, oh yeah, their personal lives.
But let’s be real. Operating at this level means you’re constantly at risk of burnout. You’re wired for high performance, but if you don’t manage your energy, your success comes at a cost: exhaustion, resentment, and a creeping sense that your firm is running you instead of the other way around.
This past month, I’ve had multiple conversations with clients grappling with this reality. One firm leader, deep in a high-stakes and unexpected transition, realized that while he was handling the operational chaos, his own well-being had become an afterthought. Another client, facing rapid growth, struggled with the tension between wanting to lead strategically and defaulting to doing everything themselves.
The good news? Burnout isn’t inevitable. Here’s what these clients (and many others) are learning to do differently:
Time Management is Energy Management
Instead of cramming more into an already full calendar, we shift the focus to high-impact work. That means:
Ruthlessly prioritizing (What actually moves the needle?)
Protecting deep work time (Fewer interruptions = smarter decisions)
Recognizing when to lead vs. when to manage (And letting go of the latter)
Self-Care is a Leadership Skill
Whether it’s sleep, exercise, or quiet time to think, neglecting yourself always costs you more in the long run. One client, who had been running on fumes, found a simple brain-dump exercise before bed was enough to ease their mental load and improve sleep. Small shifts can have a massive impact.
Delegation is the Fastest Path to Growth
Over and over, I see clients know they need to delegate but struggle to let go. The breakthrough? Shifting from “I need to control this” to “I need to lead through others.” If you’re doing work your team should be owning, it’s time to rethink your approach.
If any of this resonates, take a moment today to ask yourself:
Where am I holding onto tasks that aren’t mine?
How can I structure my time around energy, not just effort?
What small self-care shift could make the biggest difference?
Your success does not have to come at the expense of your well-being. And the best part? When you lead from a place of energy and clarity, everything in your firm runs better.
How are you mastering your energy this month? Tell me here.