Last May, we explored the question of where you place yourself on your list of priorities — and why caring for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.

But as Positive Intelligence reminds us: Insight alone isn’t enough. Growth and wellbeing happen through small steps and consistent practice.

In that spirit, this newsletter expands on what we started.
Instead of focusing only on why self-care matters, we’re exploring how to build it into your life — one low-lift leap at a time.

I’ve got leaping on my mind.

 

Over the last two weekends, I watched my youngest son high jump his all-time (so far) personal record. Since high school, he’s steadily raised his starting point—where he once finished is now where he begins—and he’s set his sights even higher.
(Yes, I’m a proud mom.)

 

But his success didn’t happen in a straight line.
Not every jump is higher than the last. Even last week’s PR was higher than this week’s. Factors like wind, rain, temperature, energy level, sleep, mental fitness, and self-care leading up to each event all play a role.

Each day brings different influences, just like every day of life.

Getting to where we want to be, personally or professionally, may feel like a heavy lift. However, real progress comes from consistent effort, deliberate practice, and meaningful self-investment—not from one giant leap.
(Although I will say, my son's leaps look pretty giant to me.)

 

Sustainable energy, resilience, and growth don’t come from dramatic overhauls.
They come from small, daily movements that lift us over and over again.

It’s not the heavy lifts that create lasting change.
It’s the low-lift leaps.

 

When I first reflected on self-care last May, I rated myself around a 6.5–7 on the 1-9 scale of putting myself first.
Today, I’d say I’m more consistently a 7–7.5 — not because of any dramatic change, but because of small daily low-lift leaps, just like the ones we're about to explore.

 

Progress, like high-jumping, isn’t linear — but practice matters.

When you think about what you want, where do you fall on your list?
(If you're like most leaders and caregivers, you’re not at the top.)

Let’s talk about the art of these low-lift leaps.

Just small, intentional movements that lift you.

The kind of leaps that don’t require you to stop the world, but still help you land somewhere steadier.

These are the efforts in self-care that don’t demand a new planner, a full day off, or a big declaration on social media.
They’re quiet. Simple. Sustainable.
And over time, they build powerful momentum.

Think of them as the leadership version of:

 

They are leaps because they move you forward (or up).
They are low-lift because they honor your bandwidth.

 

And if you're someone who cares for others—professionally, personally, or both—you need these more than most.

 

You don’t have to leap far.
You don’t have to leap high.
You just have to start leaping.

We talk about self-care. A lot.
We know how much it matters.
We encourage it. We believe in it.

Because most of us still imagine self-care as something:

What if self-care wasn’t a spa day or a weekend retreat? 

What if it was a low-lift leap—a small, intentional move that protects your energy, your focus, and your well-being?

 

These are not throwaway moments.

These are nonapparent habits that create apparent results.

That’s where AMPLIFY comes in—helping us turn small, daily movements into sustainable leadership habits, and habits of well-being.

It’s easy to skip the workout, the water, or the pause when no one’s watching.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Block 15 minutes on your calendar just for you. No label needed. Just protect it.

M – Mindset: 

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It allows you to lead with clarity, compassion, and endurance.

Add in some empathy for yourself when the leaps seem like they are going in the wrong direction.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap:
When guilt creeps in, reframe: “Taking this time allows me to serve better, not less.”
And when setbacks happen, remind yourself: “Tomorrow is a new day for me to move forward.”

P – Purpose / Planning / Parenting: 

Caregivers and planners are notorious for putting themselves last. Let’s rewrite that script.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Add one non-negotiable YOU task to your daily plan. Schedule it like a board meeting.

L – Leadership: 

What you model becomes culture. When you prioritize well-being, you create psychological safety.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Verbally name a boundary you’re holding today: “I’m stepping away for a walk before the next meeting.”

Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Innovate. Redefine it. Make it yours. Holding your values while protecting your energy is a form of integrity.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Create a “menu” of 5-minute resets (music, journaling, movement, mindful breathing) and keep it front and center.

Sometimes self-care is making space to be present with those you love—and sometimes it’s knowing when you need a breather from them.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Ask for 10 minutes of quiet and take it—no explanations required.

“You” may be the last letter in AMPLIFY, but you’re not last. You’re the thread that runs through it all.

 

🔴 Low-lift leap: Once a day, pause and ask: “What do I need right now?” Then honor the answer and act on it.

Self-care isn’t a destination.

It’s a rhythm.

And it starts with one small leap.

 

So here’s your challenge:
Take a low-lift leap today.

 

I’m cheering for you—every leap of the way.