It’s normal to hit a point as a manager (or, really, any other role) where you think, “I just can’t do this anymore.” The pressure, the people dynamics and the constant juggling can make even the most committed leaders question if it’s worth it. But it truly can be - especially if you can find tips to make it easier. In this week’s video, I break down these tips - including a personal story I think about even now when I get overwhelmed - to help you pause and see your role from a different angle.

Watch the video and read the tips below. Because before you hand in your notice or step away from your leadership role, it’s worth taking a pause - not to ignore what you’re feeling, but to give yourself real time and space to think it through. Sometimes the issue isn’t being a manager, but how you're experiencing the role right now.

1. Think About What You’ve Already Learned

Think about something at work that once felt almost (or actually) impossible - maybe it was creating a report with data you didn't understand, presenting to a group for the first time, or meeting a tight deadline. Now, it's so routine you'd barely notice it - you could do it in your sleep. And you may really miss those days, because you'd love to spend your time at work doing something you feel comfortable doing. Because you don't feel that way now.

But, remember, there was a time when you had no idea how to do that task. You learned. You practiced. You had to get comfortable.

People management works the same way. The challenges that can feel overwhelming now - like running a team meeting where everyone actually participates, or getting co-workers who don’t seem to get along to work well together - really can become second nature over time. With patience, practice and a willingness to keep showing up, you’ll find that what once felt daunting becomes just another part of how you lead.

2. Visualize Your Impact (or Just Think It Through)

If you’re the type who can visualize, picture one person whose life you’ve impacted at work. Maybe you helped them land a promotion, guided them through a tough time or made them feel like they mattered in a moment they needed it most.

If visualizing isn’t your thing, just think through the story in your head. Imagine what that moment meant for that person - for their confidence, how they talked about it with their family and, now, the way they’ll show up for others. That’s the ripple effect of leadership, and it matters deeply. 

How can you keep having that impact? 

3. Use the “Not Perfect, but Present” Checklist

You don’t have to be a perfect manager. You just have to be present, intentional and willing to act. Here’s a quick checklist to help you do that:

• Be interested in them – Really see the people you lead, beyond just their output.

• Learn about them – Understand what drives them, what challenges them and what they value.

• Think about what you can do – You don't have to do it for them (and shouldn't!) but you can often help in other ways - like talking it through, or having them learn from a more experienced colleague.

• Do it – Take the action, even if it feels small.

• Tell them – Let them know you care, notice and appreciate them. A genuine word of care and support can feel like water in the desert at work.

Following these steps will make you the kind of manager many people go their entire career without working with - and they’ll remember you for it.

4. Take It Day by Day

If you feel like you can’t do this for another day, let this one go. You’ve had good days before, and you’ll have good days again. Let the bad day exist, and remind yourself you’ve gotten through tough ones before.

Zoom in and focus on just today. And also letting today go into the past. The goal isn’t to have every day be great - that’s not realistic, and that’s okay. It can help to remind yourself that the hard days don’t last forever, and they don’t define you as a leader.

5. Talk About It

You don’t have to keep these feelings to yourself. And you shouldn't. Talk to other leaders about it. If you have trust in place with your team, it can be powerful to talk with them about it. Share that there are days when the work feels like a lot, and ask, “What do you do when it all seems like too much?”

It takes honesty and vulnerability, but those conversations can be exactly what your team needs - and chances are, you’ll walk away having learned from them, too. Real-talk conversations create opportunities for people to share their challenges, remind one another they’re not in it alone and trade ideas for getting through tough times effectively. That kind of shared understanding naturally done in the workplace can build trust in ways even more than an expensive offsite team building session.

Final Thought

There are absolutely times when stepping away from managing is the right choice. But there are also alternatives - taking a break, shifting roles, or stepping back temporarily. Sometimes you really can do it.

Before you decide, give yourself the gift of perspective. Reflect on what you’ve learned, imagine (or think through) the difference you make, focus on showing up for your people, talk about it with others and take it one day at a time. Even if you ultimately choose to move on, you’ll do it knowing you gave it thought - and that’s the kind of decision you can feel good about.

Want an extra tip I didn’t cover here? I share a short, practical bonus tip in this week’s newsletter - you can sign up here to get it straight to your inbox.