By Chief Maker Executive Development Academy

As we head into an uncertain future of technological advancements, security concerns, changing workplace environments and AI, there is one certainty… The world needs an army of clear minded leaders to solve our most pressing challenges.  

Our headspace and clarity of thinking is the single most important asset we all have as a partner, parent, friend and leader. When our headspace is compromised just about every aspect of our life and career suffers.  

Right now, we need people with energy, courage and confidence to set the tone. We need clarity. 

Here are five key moves to help you protect your headspace, and connect to your intuition and creativity. 

 

1. GET CURIOUS 

One of our mantras at Chief Maker is: Curiosity kills ego and stalled growth. Few qualities are as powerful as an intensely curious leader. Be that chief who explores beyond your comfort zone. 

Action: Set aside 30 minutes daily to test AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or other emerging technologies.  

 

2. PRIORITISE PEAK HEALTH 

Your physical condition fundamentally impacts your leadership capacity. Exercise releases hormones that enhance immune function, brain health, and emotional regulation. Fitter leaders access more of their cognitive potential. 

Action: If your fitness is not where it should be, take an action that will lock in your fitness growth. That might be buying group fitness classes, signing up for an event. Make the next 10 years the fittest of your life. 

 

3. NURTURE AND GROW YOUR NETWORK 

As remote work and digital communication become standard, intentional relationship-building becomes essential. Your network is your net worth, especially in rapidly changing times. But working from home combined with endless meetings and emails, often means relationships falter. Make it your business to build new networks and develop genuine, career-long friendships. 

Action: Identify three professional relationships you'd like to strengthen and reach out to them this week – not with a request, but with genuine interest to build a relationship. 

 

4. HARNESS CREATIVITY AND FLOW 

Your best solutions won't emerge from overwhelm. Creating space for deep thinking and flow state allows your natural brilliance to emerge, improving both results and your quality of life. 

Action: Block out two hours this week for uninterrupted creative work – no emails, no calls. Put on some music, switch off everything else and let the mind go wild.  

 

5. MASTER REST AND RECOVERY 

Many leaders wear overwork as a badge of honour, but sustainable high performance requires deliberate, full recovery. Your capacity to lead effectively depends on your ability to replenish your energy. 

Action: This week, switch off early and aim to get at least 8 hours sleep. Something that fully recharges you mid-week.  

We don’t know all the answers, and we’re not supposed to. But those who lean into uncertainty and take action, will be far better off than those who don’t. 

 

For more guidance on beating overwhelm and finding clarity, download this guide on Strategic Focus.