A CEO I coach once said at year-end: “I feel like I’ve been sprinting for 12 months straight. I’m exhausted — and so is my team. But if I stop, I worry everything will fall apart.”

That mindset is common among mid-market CEOs. The demands of leadership rarely slow down, and yet here’s the paradox: intentional rest is not a weakness — it’s a performance advantage. Without it, clarity fades, energy drains, and execution suffers. And when you and your First Team are depleted, enterprise value suffers too.

As you prepare for 2026, now is the moment to pause, rest, and reflect — not just for yourself, but for your First Team and loved ones. Their sacrifices often go unseen: time away from family, personal goals delayed, immense responsibilities carried quietly to ensure collective success. Renewal isn’t optional; it’s the fuel for the growth you want to achieve.

At the office, rest with purpose:

• Reflect on 2025’s wins and lessons. Celebrate the victories and capture the lessons. Closure creates momentum and honors the sacrifices it took to get here.
• Streamline for 2026. Clear the decks now. Delegate loose ends and set priorities so January starts with alignment and confidence.
• Show gratitude. A personal thank you to your First Team goes further than you think. Recognition fuels engagement and strengthens loyalty.

At home, recharge with intention:

• Unplug. Step away from devices. True rest starts when you disconnect from the noise.
• Reconnect with loved ones. Traditions — old or new — restore perspective and energy. Encourage your First Team to do the same.
• Invest in personal wellness. Whether it’s a good book, time outdoors, or simply stillness, restoration of your mind and spirit isn’t indulgence — it’s leadership preparation.

The ability to lead with clarity and inspire growth in 2026 begins here. A recharged CEO and First Team create alignment, energy, and resilience that ripple through the entire organization — and that ripple drives enterprise value.

CEO Call to Action: Before the year closes, block time to pause, rest, and reflect. Do it for yourself, and encourage your First Team to do the same. Because sustainable growth doesn’t start with strategy — it starts with leaders who are restored, aligned, and ready to build the future.

Here’s to a successful, purposeful, and impactful 2026.