The Leadership Muscle That Atrophies When You’re Overwhelmed

My COO walked into my office in February with a look that told me everything before he spoke. When he handed me his resignation letter, the weight landed instantly. People. Projects. Culture. All of it shifted onto my desk in a single moment.

I did what most leaders do — stepped in, covered the gap, and kept us moving. But as the weeks stacked up, something else happened quietly. The load got heavier, and I didn’t adjust. I just pushed harder.

Here’s what I didn’t recognize at the time — and what I want you to see before you hit the same wall.

You’re Human, Not Failing

When you’re carrying more than one leader’s worth of responsibility, confidence takes a hit. Even seasoned leaders start second-guessing decisions they’d normally make in minutes. I noticed myself doing that, and it wasn’t a lack of capability. It was fatigue.

If you’ve felt this lately, it’s not failure. It’s the natural response to sustained pressure.

Your Capacity Has Limits

After my COO left, my day filled with operational choices I hadn’t touched in years. None of it was new. It was just nonstop. Constant demand shrinks perspective and drains energy fast.

You know this pattern:
When everything becomes urgent, clarity goes.
When clarity goes, confidence follows.

That’s not a character flaw. It’s a capacity limit.

Your Strength Returns Faster Than You Think

The good news? Those leadership muscles rebuild quickly once the load evens out.

For me, it started with a single meeting where my thinking felt sharp again. A morning where I trusted my judgment without effort. Small signs that I was settling back into my stride.

Rebuilding doesn’t require a reset. It requires noticing what’s been stretched and giving yourself room to regain your footing.

If You Do One Thing This Week

Name the leadership muscle that feels weakest right now.
Just name it. No fixing. No plan. Just awareness.

Strength follows attention.

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’ve just been carrying too much — and you’re already on your way back.

Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss next week’s topic: “The One Thing Women Leaders Stop Doing When They’re Overloaded — and Why It Matters”