Wellness and Wholeness in Leadership: Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Enough

For years, I brushed off the word wellness. It felt too soft, too fluffy. I was too busy working to think about what it really meant.

But here’s what I’ve learned after 50: wellness and wholeness are not optional—they’re essential.

I can be great at business, but if I’m not healthy, then I’m not whole.

I can be physically fit, but if I struggle with my mental health or my relationships, I’m still missing something.

Leadership is not sustainable if it comes at the cost of your wholeness.

The Many Dimensions of Health

True wellness is multi-dimensional. It’s not just about one aspect of our lives—it’s the alignment of all of them:

• Business and financial health – stewarding resources well and making wise decisions.
• Physical health – movement, strength, rest, and nutrition.
• Mental health – resilience, focus, and emotional balance.
• Relational health – the quality of our marriages, friendships, and professional relationships.
• Spiritual health – connection with purpose, meaning, and values.

When one area suffers, others eventually do too. Yet most of us only pay attention when a crisis forces us to:

• A health scare.
• A fractured relationship.
• A professional breakdown.

And in the middle of the crisis, the other areas of our lives take another hit.

The Challenge for Leaders

So here’s my question for you as a leader:

Where are you doing well—and where are you letting things slip?

It’s easy to excuse ourselves with “good enough.” But leadership isn’t just about strategy, vision, and outcomes—it’s about the wholeness you bring into the room.

Your teams, your students, and your communities don’t just need your ideas. They need the best you.

A Call to Action

At the start of this school year, don’t just set goals for your students or staff. Set goals for your wholeness.

• What one step can you take to invest in your physical health?
• Where do you need to set boundaries to protect your mental health?
• Who do you need to reconnect with to strengthen your relational health?
• How will you nourish your spiritual health?

Don’t wait for a crisis. Choose wholeness now.

💬 I’d love to hear your perspective:

• Which area of your health needs more attention right now?
• What step are you committed to taking this month?

Let’s encourage one another to lead from wholeness—not exhaustion.

#AuthenticLeadership #Wellness #SchoolLeadership #Wholeness #LeadershipGrowth #HealthyLeadership