True leadership isn’t about carrying people—it’s about guiding them. In this episode, Episode 25 – How Helping Others Can Be What’s Draining You – How to Fix It, I explore the powerful shift from being a tugboat, constantly pulling people along, to becoming a lighthouse that illuminates the path. Leaders must have the energy to guide, not the exhaustion of forcing others to follow their way.
I explore why enabling others can drain you. Constantly trying to push, pull, or convince someone to move in a certain direction is exhausting—not just for you, but for them. Growth has to come from within, and when you try to do things for others, they will never fully learn to rise to their potential.
There will never be a way for you to solve all the problems of those around you, and by trying to do so, you unintentionally take away part of their power. It’s a well-intentioned but misguided effort—one that can leave both you and them feeling drained. When you constantly step in to fix things, you rob others of the opportunity to develop resilience, resourcefulness, and the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges on their own. Growth is forged in the moments of struggle, and true transformation comes from navigating adversity, not being rescued from it. People don’t truly change when they are carried; they change when they are given the chance to rise, stumble, and ultimately stand on their own.
True leadership is about empowerment, not control. It’s about guiding rather than forcing, supporting rather than saving. I explore why enabling others can deplete your energy and keep them stuck in patterns of dependence. Constantly trying to push, pull, or convince someone to move in a certain direction is exhausting—not just for you, but for them. Growth has to come from within, and when you take on the burden of doing things for others, you inadvertently weaken their ability to rise to their full potential. When people don’t have the chance to struggle through challenges, they miss out on the internal victories that build character, self-trust, and independence. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for someone is to step back and let them figure it out for themselves.
Leadership isn’t about micromanaging outcomes; it’s about holding space, offering guidance, and trusting the process. Whether it’s through mentorship, emotional support, or even financial help, the key is to release attachment to the outcome. When you give, you must do so without the expectation of control, without the need for a predetermined result. Only then can you lead in a way that is sustainable, inspiring, and truly transformational. Empowerment means believing in someone’s ability to navigate their own path—even when the journey is uncertain, even when their choices differ from what you would have chosen for them. Trusting in another person’s growth process requires patience, but it is the only way to create lasting change. When you shift from fixing to trusting, you free yourself from the weight of responsibility that was never yours to carry. And in doing so, you not only empower them—you liberate yourself.
Tune in to learn how to lead with strength, wisdom, and sustainability—so you can inspire others without burning out in the Ultimate 180.
Host Kristina Walker brings to you The Ultimate 180, a transformative approach to breaking free from the mental shackles keeping you stuck. This isn’t about adding more to your already packed schedule; it’s about rewiring your mindset to reclaim your freedom and joy.
Discover how small, actionable changes can help you let go of exhaustion, fear, and overwhelm and allow you to embrace a life filled with energy, purpose, and fulfillment. The shift is monumental, and the best part? It’s achievable.
Your life is worth it—don’t wait to start living fully. Tune in and take the first step toward your Ultimate 180!
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