How's Your Gas Tank?

I was on my way to a speaking engagement the other day when that light came on.

You know the one.  The little orange triangle that gently (or not-so-gently) reminds you: You’re about to run out of gas.

In full transparency, I’m not the kind of person who keeps my tank topped off. I know, I know! Some of you are gas tank purists, never letting the gas tank drop below half. But me? I have to be careful not to run that thing down to fumes. I just don’t like getting gas. It slows me down. It’s inconvenient. And for some reason, it’s one of those tasks I’m constantly putting off.  I often joke that some people dream of a "pool boy"…

I dream of a "gas boy"... someone who magically keeps my tank full so I can keep moving. 😂

But that day, with a full to-do list and a calendar that didn’t leave much wiggle room, I had to stop. I had to fuel up.

And as I stood there, watching the numbers rise and the minutes tick by, I had this thought: How often do I run myself like this?

On empty. 

On autopilot. 

Hustling toward the next thing, until something forces me to stop.

So let me ask you... How’s your gas tank?

Not your car: Your energy. Your focus. Your emotional reserve. Your joy.

Have you been pushing through?Running low without even noticing?Telling yourself “I’ll rest after this next big thing…” while ignoring the blinking warning lights on your dashboard?

Because here’s the truth I have to keep reminding myself: If I want to keep going, if I want to show up for others, lead well, or even just be kind, I have to notice when I’m running low.

Rest and refueling aren’t luxury items. They’re non-negotiables for sustainable leadership and living.

That quick stop at the gas station?  It cost me 7 minutes.  But it gave me the ability to finish my drive, deliver my keynote session, and get home safely.

That’s the deal.That’s the trade-off.Seven minutes of fuel = miles and miles of meaningful momentum.

So here’s your gentle Self-Aware Leader check-in:

• Where are you on the metaphorical gas gauge right now: Full? Half? Fumes?

• What are the warning signs you tend to ignore?

• What kind of “fuel” do you actually need right now: Sleep? Laughter? A pause? Boundaries? Protein?

  
  

And if the thought of stopping feels inconvenient or indulgent—remember this: Leaders don’t run well on fumes.

You matter too much to run yourself dry.

What is one thing you will do today to fill your tank?  Send me a quick note HERE to help hold yourself accountable. 

YOU MATTER!