Prioritizing YOU, makes you a better leader.

For 30 years, I’ve lived a pattern of showing up fully for the world while neglecting my own priorities. Whether it was in my past business partnership, my marriage, my finances, my health, or my day-to-day work, I put everything else first, often leaving myself with little energy or focus for what mattered most to me.

Now, I see it for what it is—a recurring pattern once driven by my need to prove myself. But I’ve let that go. I know exactly who I am, and I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Breaking free from this pattern has been empowering, so I’m stepping fully, into my power.

Last week, I put in nearly 60 hours of work—coaching clients, building my business, and giving my all to learning new skills and mastering old ones. But when it came to my own big moment, launching my Fractional Leadership program during Empower Hour, I didn’t show up as the best version of myself.

The old me might have spiraled into frustration or self-criticism. But this time, I was aware of my pattern, and I gave it my all—even if it wasn’t perfect, it was me.

Breaking the Illusion of “Not Enough Time”

For years, I told myself I didn’t have enough time for what was important to me. Time was my excuse for not showing up fully for myself. But here’s what I’ve learned: time isn’t the issue—priorities are.

It’s not that I didn’t have enough time to fully prepare for my launch.  It’s that I didn’t make my own priority as important as the energy I poured into everything else.

This pattern doesn’t only steal your time—it steals your freedom and your joy. When you put yourself last, you can’t lead with clarity, certainty, or confidence. The people who rely on you need that version of you to show up!

The Power of Self-Prioritization

I’ve learned through this journey is that when I put myself first, I’m the best coach, mentor, and consultant I can be as well as every other important role in my life.

Self-prioritization isn’t selfish—it’s what is needed to lead effectively. It’s what allows me to show up fully for myself. And it’s a skill I’ve worked hard to build.

My non-negotiable self-care routines—morning and evening—anchor me in the present and help me align with the future version of myself I’m becoming. They remind me that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for showing up prepared, confident, and aligned.

How to Prioritize What Matters

If you’re stuck in the same pattern of putting everything else first and neglecting your own goals, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Recognize the Pattern: Awareness is the first step to change. Pay attention to where you’re prioritizing others over yourself.
2. Plan Ahead: Preparation creates freedom. Block time for your own priorities and treat it as sacred.
3. Accept and Evolve: Fully accept who you are today, while staying open to the future version of yourself.
4. Delegate: Let go of the need to do it all.

Leveling Up

Last week was a reminder that growth is ongoing. While I didn’t show up as the best version of myself for myself, I showed up and carried through.

The old me would have been scattered and stressed. The me of today showed up calm, grounded, and ready to give my all—even if I saw room for improvement. That’s what leveling up looks like: learning from the moments that challenge you and continuing to evolve.

Freedom Through Alignment

This journey is about alignment. When I prioritize what matters most to me, I align my actions with my deepest desires. That alignment creates freedom: freedom to lead with purpose, freedom to show up fully, and freedom to continue growing into the best version of myself.

So I’ll ask you this:
What’s one area of your life where you need to prioritize yourself more?

The answer might just be the key to unlocking your next level. Let’s rise together.

With love, light, and prosperity, 

Jennifer Maher

Soulful Prosperity Coach

https://linktr.ee/jennmaher