top of page
Search

Your Greatest Leadership Tool Isn’t What You Think—It’s Your Health



We often compartmentalize health and leadership, but the truth is—they’re inseparable. You cannot lead effectively when you’re sleep-deprived, dehydrated, or running on fast food and fumes. And no, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency in small things that compound.


As school leaders, you’re pulled in 10 directions before 10 a.m. But when you start your day with intention—before the demands kick in—you reclaim your power.

Let’s talk morning routine:


It’s not about waking up at 4:00 a.m. (although I do!), it’s about carving out time before the world starts calling your name. Even 10 minutes is enough.


Here’s a simple practice you can start tomorrow:

  • Move your body (walk, stretch, or lift)

  • Reflect (journal three priorities or gratitudes)

  • Learn (a short podcast or audiobook)


Done consistently, these micro-habits will shift how you show up—for your team, your students, and your family.


And it doesn’t stop there. The way you fuel your body matters too. I meal prep once a week and keep it simple: soups, roasted veggies, lean proteins, and hydration-friendly habits (like a straw-top water bottle—game changer!). This ritual grounds me and keeps decision fatigue at bay.


The bottom line? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Your energy, your clarity, your impact—they’re all connected to your health. And if that sounds selfish? Flip the script: it’s actually the most selfless leadership move you can make.


This is how I learned that leading well starts with leading yourself well.


If this resonates, then make sure to grab your copy of my latest book, Beyond The First-Year Principal, where I walk you through the exact strategies I use to stay energized and clear-headed, even in the most demanding seasons of leadership.


And if you're looking to go deeper and engage with other like-minded leaders, then join The Principal's Collective and access live support and a growing library of on-demand workshops.

 
 
 

Lead With Presence: Why Mindful Engagement Is the New Superpower for School Leaders

In the early days of my leadership journey, I wore busyness like a badge of honour. My calendar was packed, my inbox overflowing, and I prided myself on being constantly available—answering messages at all hours, jumping from meeting to meeting, and responding to every “Do you have a sec?” with a smile (even when it was really a 45-minute crisis).



I thought this meant I was doing it right.

But over time, I started noticing things. My decisions were more rushed. My energy was scattered. I was showing up physically—but not fully. Conversations were half-lived, and I began reacting instead of responding.

I realized I was leading on autopilot. And it was costing me.

Not just in energy and effectiveness, but in presence—arguably the most powerful asset any leader has.


The Wake-Up Call: Why Presence Matters More Than Ever

In today’s fast-moving world, being constantly “on” is normalized. We’re praised for our productivity and penalized for pausing. But when we don’t stop to ground ourselves, we lead from a reactive place.

Reactive leadership breaks trust.

It clouds judgment.

It distances us from the people we’re here to serve.

What I’ve learned—through both personal experience and my work with new principals—is that presence isn’t passive. It’s an active choice.

And it’s not about being serene 24/7. It’s about cultivating small, intentional habits that help us lead with clarity, composure, and purpose.


Two Acronyms That Changed My Leadership: STOP and ACT

I remember the first time I came across the STOP technique in One Second Ahead. It felt deceptively simple, almost too easy to work. But I gave it a try during a tense moment in a meeting and immediately noticed the shift.

Here’s how it works:

  • Stop

  • Take a breath

  • Observe what’s happening (in your body, your environment, your emotions)

  • Proceed with intention


It creates a pause between stimulus and response—a space for choice.

Then comes ACT:

  • Acknowledge what you’re experiencing

  • Choose your response

  • Take action deliberately

These two practices have become staples in my leadership toolkit. When I feel overwhelmed, tense, or off-center, I STOP. When it’s time to move forward with clarity, I ACT.

Now, I coach leaders on how to integrate these habits into their daily rhythm—because it’s not just about surviving another day. It’s about leading well within it.


Reclaiming Focus in a World of Noise

There was a time when my phone buzzed constantly. Email pings, meeting alerts, Teams messages—all demanding attention. I convinced myself I was managing it well… until I realized I hadn’t had a single uninterrupted hour in weeks.

The truth? Constant notifications erode our ability to think deeply, connect meaningfully, and create impact.


So I made changes:

  • I turned off email previews and message alerts.

  • I blocked off “deep work” time on my calendar—and communicated it clearly to my team.

  • I created systems to protect focus without sacrificing responsiveness in emergencies.

And I breathed easier.

The quality of my work improved.

So did my mood—and my team’s trust.

Presence isn’t about perfection. It’s about protection—of your energy, your clarity, your ability to lead.


Let’s Talk About Self-Care (For Real)

There’s a quote I stumbled across while watching an interview with Elizabeth Gilbert that changed the way I think about leadership forever:

“The greatest harm we can do to others is to neglect taking care of ourselves.”

That hit me hard.

For years, I thought self-care was something you earned after you got through your to-do list. But here’s the truth: if you’re not doing the internal work—breathing, nourishing your body, creating boundaries—your leadership will suffer.

And yes, spa days and bubble baths are great. But real self-care is about building the conditions that allow you to lead from a place of fullness—not depletion.


Mini Breaks, Major Impact

One of the easiest strategies I now use (and teach) is the mindful mini-break.

Set a timer. Once an hour, pause for just 60 seconds.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I breathing deeply or shallowly?

  • Do I need a sip of water?

  • Am I grounded or racing?

Or, use transitions—between tasks or meetings—as a chance to check in.

A moment of breathing can prevent a day of burnout.

These practices aren’t indulgent. They’re preventative leadership medicine.


One Task at a Time: The Myth of Multitasking

Let me say this clearly: multitasking is a trap.

It promises productivity but delivers stress and sloppiness.

When I shifted from juggling tasks to doing one thing at a time with full attention, everything changed:

  • My work quality improved.

  • I felt calmer.

  • I became a better listener, leader, and decision-maker.

If you want to feel more in control, try slowing down.

Focus fully. Then move on.

It may feel counterintuitive, but it’s incredibly effective.


What I Teach Now (And Wish I’d Known Sooner)

These aren’t just habits—they’re systems for sustainable leadership.

They help us move from reactive to responsive. From drained to grounded.

Inside The Principal’s Collective, I teach new and aspiring leaders how to implement these tools—one micro-shift at a time.

I wrote this book because I remember what it felt like to lead on fumes.

I also know what it takes to step into your role with confidence, calm, and clarity.

You don’t need more to-do lists.

You need support, strategy, and space to breathe.

And that’s what I’m here to help you create.


Let’s Wrap This Up

Start with one mindful habit today:

  • Take three deep breaths before your next meeting.

  • Turn off one notification.

  • Try the STOP technique in a tense moment.

Leadership doesn’t have to be chaotic.

It can be anchored, intentional, and deeply human.

And it all begins with presence.


Want to lead this way, too?

Inside The Principal’s Collective, I coach school leaders who are ready to shift from reactive to conscious leadership. You’ll get access to bite-sized trainings, community support, and monthly resources that actually help you lead well. Join today to get started!



 
 
 

Feeling Like an Imposter? Why That’s a Good Thing (And How to Flip It Into Fuel)

Let’s be real for a moment.


If you’ve ever walked into a meeting, looked around the room, and thought, “What am I doing here?”—you’re not alone.

In fact, if you’re stepping into school leadership for the first time, imposter syndrome probably shows up like clockwork. The pressure to “have it all together,” to have the answers, and to instantly prove yourself is real. But here’s the truth that rarely gets said out loud:


Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign you’re growing.


Let me explain why—and more importantly, how to use it as fuel for your leadership journey.



The Myth of the “Ready” Leader


Confidence is often misunderstood in our profession. We imagine that confident leaders are the ones who walk in cool, calm, and collected. That they know exactly what to say and when to say it. That they never second-guess themselves.

But that’s a myth.


The real confidence comes from this: a willingness to act, even before you feel ready. This is what I call the Competence–Confidence Loop. You act ➝ you learn ➝ you grow ➝ you build confidence ➝ and you act again.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progression.



What Imposter Syndrome Actually Tells You


When I became a principal, I vividly remember my mentor telling me,

“Daphne, you’ve got eighteen months to embrace your rookie status—so learn fast!”

At first, I laughed. But the message stuck. There was something freeing in knowing I didn’t have to have it all figured out. That making mistakes was not only expected—but essential.

That first stage of leadership? I now call it The Swamplands. It’s murky. You feel unsure. Every task feels harder than it should. You miss your old job where you knew the rhythm, the relationships, and the right answers.


But here’s the silver lining:

You’re in the middle of a major transformation.

You’re building new neural pathways, stretching your thinking, and growing stronger every day.


Reframing the Feeling


So how do you reframe that inner voice that says “You’re not good enough”?

Start by renaming the feeling.


You’re not an imposter—you’re a beginner. A novice. Someone courageous enough to leave comfort behind and lead from the edge of growth.

Then, add in these five practical strategies to flip imposter syndrome on its head:


1. Take Action

Even small steps count. Confidence comes from doing. So raise your hand, give the presentation, send the email. Every action is a deposit in your confidence bank.


2. Call on Your Alter Ego

When you feel shaky, channel someone you admire. Ask, “What would they do in this moment?” Let their energy guide you until yours kicks in.


3. Prepare and Practice

Preparation is a confidence booster. Rehearse your staff meeting, map out your talking points, test the tech. You’ll feel calmer when you’ve walked through it once already.


4. Shift Your Mindset

Repeat this: “If it doesn’t challenge me, it doesn’t change me.” Discomfort means you’re evolving. See it as a sign of strength, not a weakness.


5. Focus on You

Prioritize your development. Set boundaries. Rest when you need to. Your leadership journey doesn’t have to match anyone else’s timeline.



Why This Matters


I waited 14 years after earning my principal qualifications to apply for a leadership role. Why? Because I kept telling myself I wasn’t “ready.” I thought I needed more courses, more experience, more of… something.


What I needed was a mindset shift.

The moment I reframed my fear as a sign of growth—and gave myself permission to learn on the job—everything changed.



Want to Go Deeper?


If this post resonated with you, I wrote an entire chapter on this inside my latest book:


You’ll learn:


• How to identify where you are on the Personal Leadership Continuum

• Why discomfort is actually your secret superpower

• And the exact tools to build confidence—even when you’re unsure




Need a Supportive Leadership Community?


This is exactly the kind of conversation we’re having inside The Principal’s Collective—a community built just for new and aspiring principals.

If you’re tired of going it alone, second-guessing yourself, or feeling like no one gets what you’re going through, this is your place.


Inside, we:

• Normalize the messy middle

• Share simple, practical leadership tools

• Celebrate small wins

• And remind each other that you’re not alone


Click here to join The Principal’s Collective — we’d love to welcome you in.


You are not alone. You are not behind.

You are becoming.

Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.

 
 
 
bottom of page