Protect Your Energy Like It’s the Last Chocolate Biscuit
It’s time to make coffee. Take a breath. Maybe take a walk on the beach. And reflect.
Some leaders burn out not because they’re doing too much - but because they’re not protecting their energy.
Not long ago, I sat down with a principal who had just come through what can only be described as a brutal term. Staff shortages, parent pressure, community challenges - you name it.
Yet somehow, she remained grounded. Calm. Still showing up for her team.
When I asked how she did it, she smiled and said: “I treat my energy like it’s the last chocolate biscuit - sacred, savoured, and definitely not wasted on things that don’t fill me up.”
That line stuck. We talk a lot about time management in leadership. But how often do we talk about energy?
In education, the job never stops asking. One more meeting. One more email. One more urgent issue just as you're packing up. Many leaders are good at managing their calendars, but not enough are managing their energy.
And yes - people are tired. And let’s be honest, too many carers, leaders, and teachers are running on empty. But this isn’t about staying in the problem. It’s about offering solutions. Leaders don’t need sympathy - they need strategy.
The ones still standing - not just surviving, but leading with focus and calm - do things differently. They’ve stopped pretending their energy is bottomless.
They take recovery seriously. A quiet moment before school. A walk at lunch. Even stepping outside with sand between their toes. The tide in, the tide out - it recalibrates.
They don’t check emails after 7pm. Not because they don’t care - but because they do. About showing up fully the next day. About bringing clarity, not chaos.
They build white space into their calendars. Those 10-minute buffers between meetings? They’re not fluff. They’re what let you lead instead of react.
They protect deep work. Vision setting. Coaching. Planning. If it’s not booked, it won’t happen. And it matters.
And they have rituals. Writing down tomorrow’s top three. Shutting the laptop. One long exhale before stepping out the door. These cues reset the system.
Here’s a quick phrase I often share:
“I want to give this my full attention. Can we put 15 minutes in the calendar for tomorrow instead?”
It’s respectful. It gives you space. And it teaches your team that energy deserves protection.
This isn’t optional. Energy leadership is the edge.
Let’s be clear. Protecting your energy isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing the right things, with clarity and heart. It's being intentional. That’s how you build trust. That’s what people remember.
Here are four fresh ways to start protecting your energy now:
1. Say no with clarity and kindness. Every yes costs energy. Try: “That sounds worthwhile, but I can’t give it what it deserves right now.”
2. Outsource or delegate the draining stuff. Whether it’s organising relief, managing rosters, or answering generic emails - share the load.
3. Build micro-moments of joy into your day. Coffee outside. A funny podcast on the drive home. Three deep breaths before the next meeting. They refill your tank.
4. Anchor your mornings with intention. Don’t start with your inbox - start with presence. A 2-minute journal. A walk on the beach. Even 30 seconds of quiet can change your day.
Ask yourself:
What’s one small habit I can build to protect my energy?
Start small. Keep it real. Trust that it matters.
This blog is part of a series shared in the lead-up to the National Education Summit, where we’ll explore what flourishing leadership looks like in practice. Whether you’re a principal, middle leader, or just starting out, this session will give you practical ways to rethink your week, refocus your leadership, and protect your energy. If you're serious about leading well without burning out, I’d love to see you there.
Meet Andrew Murray at the National Education Summit, Brisbane: 31 July - 1 August 2025 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Melbourne: 28 - 29 August 2025 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre