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Leading When You're Uninspired

Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! It’s fun to lead when you’re feeling inspired and full of purpose, but what about when you don’t feel inspired? Leading while inspired is ideal, but some of your most important leadership moments will come when you don’t feel inspired at all. Today, we’re going to talk about why leaders lose their inspiration, how to stay consistent when you don’t feel like it, and the mindsets that will help you get through this season.


Why do leaders lose inspiration?

Fatigue

Leaders often experience physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion due to the long-term pressures of leadership.


Repetition

Every week, you attend the same meetings, manage the same issues, and check off the same tasks. Even the most interesting tasks done over and over can feel monotonous.


Disappointment

Inevitably, you will have people underperform, a peak performer quit, or low growth. Ultimately, everyone will face moments when leadership falls short of what they hoped it would be.


Isolation

Leadership can be a lonely experience, and prolonged loneliness can contribute to emotional exhaustion.


Comparison

Watching other leaders succeed faster or bigger can make your own journey feel insignificant, leading to insecurity and imposter syndrome.


Personal crisis

Health issues, family struggles, or even a crisis of faith can all affect how we lead.


Leaders Who Led While Uninspired

1. Abraham Lincoln

He led a nation through the Civil War while battling deep depression. His personal writings reveal that he often felt hopeless, but he didn’t let his emotions dictate his leadership. He anchored to principle.


2. Mother Teresa

Did you know that for decades, she felt an overwhelming sense of God’s absence? Her journals reveal a darkness that she carried while serving others every day. Her leadership was fueled by commitment, not emotion.


3. Winston Churchill

Churchill led Britain through World War II, often in the face of devastating odds and a constant fear of defeat. He battled chronic depression, meaning that some days, he showed up because he had to, not because he wanted to. Leadership isn’t about always being upbeat. It’s about showing resolve when others crumble.


 4. Harriet Tubman

After escaping slavery, Tubman returned nearly 13 times to rescue others despite extreme danger, exhaustion, and constant threat of death. She was often hungry, sick, and afraid but remained driven by conviction and an unwavering moral compass. She didn’t wait to feel strong. She chose courage when it counted.


Q: Did any of these leaders surprise you? What do you think helped that person the most when they were feeling low? Do you know any leaders who have led effectively while navigating a personal or professional challenge? What about their leadership during that season stands out to you?


Practical Steps to Lead Without Inspiration

1. Reconnect with your "why"

Remind yourself why you chose your career in the first place. Remembering what inspired you will help you find purpose, even when you’re not at your best.


2. Anchor to your habits, not your feelings

When you feel uninspired, your disciplines will carry you. Routines like journaling, fitness, prayer, and reading are your guardrails when inspiration fails. Consistency is more powerful than motivation.


3. Do the next right thing

Don’t try to fix everything. Just take the next step.


4. Get around people who challenge your thinking

Share what you’re feeling and look for inspiration in those around you. Their perspective may help reignite your passion.


5. Take a short break or create space for renewal

You don’t always need to power through. Maybe what you need is a pause, a day off, or a change of scenery.


Q: What actions would the best version of me take today? Who in your circle needs to speak into your life right now?


Reminders for leaders who feel uninspired

It’s normal – Stop shaming yourself for feeling stuck; it is part of the leadership journey.

This won’t last forever – Inspiration is seasonal. But conviction is constant.

My calling doesn’t depend on my mood – You can lead from principle even when your passion is low.

The valley is where depth is built – Anyone can lead on the mountaintop. It’s the valley where true leaders are forged.


Application Activities:
  1. Ask yourself: What is the next right thing you need to do today, even if you don’t feel like it? Put that action item on your calendar or set an alarm on your phone. Don't limit yourself to work-related tasks, either! Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is to spend time with friends and family or invest in a hobby.

  2. Define your purpose. Create a vision board or journal entry that defines what you want from your life. Think about the impact you want to make, the life you want for your family and other personal goals. Remembering your why can give you fresh focus and help you push forward when you're feeling depleted.

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