When most people hear the term self-care, they may be inclined to picture spa days and meditation apps. But for CEOs, self-care isn't just about relaxation—it's about sustaining peak performance. It's about the sharpness to make million-dollar (and sometimes billion-dollar) decisions, the stamina to lead under pressure, and the clarity to spot opportunities before the competition. Yet, many CEOs push through exhaustion, assuming they can "optimize later." But the reality is that later often comes too late. A Global Advances in Health and Medicine study found that 64% of business executives struggle with work-related stress—far higher than the general population.

In 2025, the ultimate success metric for CEOs will be their personal balance sheet, not just their company’s balance sheet. Ignore it; performance, decision-making, and leadership presence will inevitably suffer. Self-care isn't an indulgence. It's a vehicle and operating system for sustained high performance. Here are four overlooked habits that will help CEOs perform better in 2025 without sacrificing their well-being.

CEOs, founders, and other high-level leaders often tie their identities to their titles, companies, and achievements. But who are you beyond that? Burnout frequently stems not from overwork alone but from a loss of identity. Leaders pour everything into their businesses while neglecting their own health, relationships, and fulfillment. This disconnect erodes their mental resilience and decision-making.

However, developing self-awareness by consistently checking in on your energy, emotions, and priorities can help recalibrate your focus. Ask yourself: How’s my physical health? My mental stamina? My key relationships? My sense of purpose? Self-awareness isn't just about personal fulfillment—it's a strategic asset that sharpens your leadership instincts, improves your decision-making, and strengthens your resilience for the long haul.

Top athletes talk about self-talk as a performance enhancer. Before they win championships, they've already won it in their minds. CEOs need the same mental discipline to withstand the rigors of business. Your inner dialogue can either fuel your confidence and resilience or cripple your decision-making and performance with doubt and hesitation. As Michael Jordan famously said:

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

Many CEOs unknowingly sabotage themselves with perfectionism, guilt, and an unchecked inner critic who routinely shows up after every mistake. The key isn’t to silence self-doubt. It's to coach yourself rather than criticize yourself. Reframe and view self-talk as an essential, high-performance habit that sharpens your performance across the board in and out of the office.

Most CEOs obsess over financial capital—but overlook their most valuable asset: their energy. Think of your energy like a balance sheet. Where are you leaking resources?

Many leaders operate as if they’re invincible, handling every crisis personally. But a healthier approach isn't just managing time; it's allocating energy strategically. Just as in business, ROI matters. Establishing clear boundaries isn't about limiting your ambition—it's about maximizing your impact. CEOs who control their energy allocation can make better decisions, lead more effectively, create sustainable success, and operate with better overall health.

When Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh rebuilt the 49ers into champions, he didn’t start with plays. He started with standards. As he detailed in ‘The Score Takes Care of Itself,’ Walsh implemented a "Standard of Performance." This leadership philosophy dictated how players practiced, communicated, and even dressed. This discipline created predictability and certainty. The same benefit that translated onto the gridiron can apply to your well-being. Just as you have an operational playbook for your company, think about incorporating a personal performance playbook for:

CEO turnover hit record highs in 2024, and 2025 may surpass that. The pressure-cooker environment isn't going away. And while revenue, growth, and market share are crucial, the most important KPI remains unchanged: your well-beingSelf-care isn't about stepping away from work. It's about ensuring you can lead at the highest level today, tomorrow, and beyond.