Knowing When to Slow Down — Real Resilience

I’ve always been someone who moves fast.

I like action, I like momentum, and I like getting things done.

But lately, I’ve been reminded that there’s a difference between resilience and relentlessness.

Four years ago, I had major back surgery. My spine was fused, and for six long weeks, I could only lie flat or stand straight — no sitting, no bending, no middle ground. For someone like me, that was torture.

By week three, I was back at work.

Not because I was healed — but because I was bored.

I’d stopped taking pain meds after the first week, my mind felt clear, and I convinced myself that meant my body was ready too.

It wasn’t.‍

Looking back, I realize resilience isn’t about how quickly you bounce back. It’s about knowing when to pause long enough to truly recover.

Fast forward to now — a smaller follow-up surgery. Same doctor, same confidence it will work out. But this time, a different mindset.

I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m managing expectations — mine and everyone else’s. I’m resting when I need to, not rushing to prove I’m fine.

Because I’ve learned that true resilience isn’t measured by how fast you stand up — it’s in how well you heal before you do.

There’s a lesson in leadership here, too.

We celebrate perseverance, grit, and drive. But sometimes the hardest skill to learn is patience — the willingness to wait, to let things unfold, and to give yourself (and others) the space to come back stronger.

So this time, I’m giving myself that space. Or at least I’m trying.‍

Resilience isn’t about how quickly you return.  It’s about returning ready.‍

If you’re ready to lead with more confidence and clarity, let’s talk…