Stop putting yourself last

- In most cultures, women are conditioned to care about others. We play with dolls and we care about our social circles and other things. And there's totally nothing wrong with that, women can do it all. But what if I told you just focusing on others is counter to what we need to do as leaders. Hear me out. My message to you is, if you are not okay, your team and responsibilities definitely won't be okay. The moral of this story, when you don't put yourself first, you really are last. That's okay sometimes but not all the time. So here's how you can put yourself first more. First, protect your energy. Your energy is part of what got you the position in the first place. So it's expected for you to keep that same energy up. Now, I'm not saying be a robot. Just understand your team and the organization is relying on that energy, so it is important to manage it. A great way to protect your energy is to take energy breaks throughout the day. Now I didn't say lunch, but just find the time to relax for a couple of minutes. And this can be at your computer, desk or wherever you choose. Doing so will keep your energy in balance so you can be successful. Next, have more me time. When you schedule it, you do it. So schedule time to do your favorite activity like reading a great book, writing in your journal, watching your favorite sitcom, really it can even be sleep. No matter what you choose, choose you first. Finally, don't be guilty. Countless times women have told me they feel so guilty about putting themselves first. Don't let this be you. You are a phenomenal woman and deserve to be pampered, especially well from you. Research has shown, taking out time for ourselves actually increases our energy and productivity. So now is a time to be kind to ourselves. You'll be happy you did.