A deeper look into what it means to lead with intention
At an executive level, our default response to challenges often looks the same: work harder. We dig deeper to understand the problem, spend longer hours thinking through solutions, even lie awake at night rehearsing possible scenarios. We push through.
But not every leadership challenge comes dressed as a problem. Sometimes the most difficult decisions arise from opportunities — weighing up multiple good options and carrying the responsibility of uncertainty. Once again, the instinct is to push harder, to out-think and out-work the moment.
This “push through” mentality is often described as grit: determination, resilience, mental toughness. And to a degree, it’s true — grit helps leaders stay the course and not be easily derailed by setbacks. The risk comes when grit becomes our only mode of resilience. When pushing harder becomes a continuous pattern, it threatens our mental health, our clarity, and ultimately our leadership effectiveness.
True resilience is not just about enduring; it’s about sustaining. It’s about leading in a way that preserves both performance and wellbeing. Without healthy rhythms, leaders can appear successful at work while quietly absorbing the cost in their personal lives — health, relationships, joy, and long-term vitality.
The encouraging news is that resilience can be developed. It is not a fixed trait. Through the work of Dr. Etienne van der Walt and others in the field of brain health, we understand how resilience grows when we pay attention to simple but powerful daily practices. Here are three rhythms that can shift the way you experience resilience, even with small changes:
1. Sleep
- Develop a consistent sleep routine — go to bed at the same time each night.
- Avoid screen time before bed to help your brain wind down.
- Cancel the snooze button, once and for all.
2. Exercise & Mobility
Movement is more than exercise. Incorporate variety — from walking to stretching to taking short mobility breaks during the workday. These small actions refresh the brain, improve focus, and sustain energy.
3. Silencing the Mind
Being present in the moment allows your brain to recover. Breathing exercises, short pauses to check in with your emotions, or simple mindfulness practices increase oxygen flow and enhance creativity and strategic thinking.
At the end of each day, build a reflection rhythm by rating:
- Your overall mood
- The quality of your relationships
- Your performance at work
These rhythms don’t just protect resilience — they grow it. They create the capacity to lead with balance, intention, and impact across all areas of life.
At SIG Advisory, our Sound CEO programme equips leaders to develop resilience for sustainable influence and quality of life. Join the October intake is for an opportunity to step into a healthier way of leading.
