Some leaders answer emails during meetings, solve other people’s problems before their own, and when someone asks, “How’s the strategy coming along?” respond with a blank stare and fresh forehead sweat. 

It’s like sprinting on a treadmill that keeps speeding up, but not actually getting anywhere. This isn’t just the weeds—it’s a whole overgrown garden of “too busy to grow” reactive leadership.

It’s Not Just You—It’s the Culture of Business

Let’s be real: this way of working is not a personal shortcoming. It’s how many modern workplaces are wired. The busier you are, the more valuable you appear. The more meetings you attend, the more “in the loop” you seem. Our business culture normalizes this—and even celebrates it.

And it’s a trap. A 2022 Harvard Business Review article reported that 70% of meetings prevent people from completing their core tasks, significantly hindering productivity and strategic focus.

Make Self-Awareness Your Superpower

Don’t blame yourself. Instead, notice your stories that drive you to be so damn busy. Fear of missing out (FOMO) or of retribution? Thinking no one else can do it? Guilt about saying no? (learn more about common unconscious assumptions here.)

Love-powered leadership invites you to get honest, zoom out, and reclaim your role as a steward of the big picture. 

Ask yourself these clarifying questions:

• Where are you reacting instead of leading?

• What stories do you tell yourself about being needed?

• How might you lead differently if you risked saying no more?

5 Love-Powered Moves to Get Out of the Grind and Back to Leading

1. Audit your meetings and protect your energy. Make a list of recurring meetings. For each, ask: Why am I here? What if I weren’t? Who else could step in? Then reprioritize and reset expectations, with grace.

2. Take the long view—watch the movie. Close your eyes and imagine watching a movie of your workday from a mountaintop. Notice where your impact is—and isn’t. Use that altitude to refocus on what truly matters.

3. Share the good out loud. Amplify savoring by articulating what you appreciate—to yourself and others. “That felt meaningful” or “I really enjoyed that exchange” goes a long way.

4. Say no with care, yes with purpose. List one thing you’ll say no to this week and one definite yes. Next week, list two of each, and so on. Then implement (enlist your assistant to help!) with accountability.

5. Build whitespace into your calendar. Protect thinking time. Schedule it as a regularly occurring and non-negotiable meeting. Make it so. Hold space for what truly moves your mission forward.

Step Back to Lead Forward

You didn’t sign up for leadership to be a firefighter, calendar jockey, or meeting marathoner. You’re here to make something meaningful happen—to lead with vision, to courageously serve, and to inspire greatness.

That requires you to step away from the noise long enough to discern what truly needs your attention. Say no when it protects your yes. Hold boundaries with self-awareness and heart. 

Working on the business isn’t a luxury—it’s your job. It’s how you fulfill your purpose, lead with love, and build the kind of organization others actually want to support.

My friend, you don’t need to hustle harder. Your effectiveness isn’t about how much you do—it’s about how clearly you choose and act on your choices.

You’ve got this.

Moshe

Focus Your Leadership with the “Strong Start” Coaching Program

Amare “Strong Start” is an accelerated 3-month coaching program. It’s designed as a low-risk, high-value way for executives to grow and flourish as the leaders they are called to be. For more information, contact me here.

   

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things.” 

— Stephen R. Covey

   

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

Unconscious Assumptions Limit Your Success: 5 Amare Steps To Better Assumptions, Strategies, Results – The Magic Leadership Triangle

6 Amare Ways to Take the Long View as a Leader – Even When You’re Crazy Busy

Six Ways to Increase Your Self-Awareness in Leadership and Business

5 Pillars of Empathic Leadership That Can Transform Your Organization

How to Build Happiness and Freedom Into Your Leadership and Organization

   

Original article published on Inc.com.