3 Self-Check Habits That Keep You on Track and Thriving

"I let the moment be what it was—laughing with old friends, soaking up the ocean air, reconnecting with the part of me that simply loves music."

When was the last time you did something just for you—not because it was on a list, not because someone needed you, but because it genuinely lit you up? If you’ve been feeling a little “meh,” stretched thin, or not quite yourself, this is your nudge: you have to fill your cup first.

Why this matters (especially for high-achievers)

We’re not machines. Rest isn’t a reward you earn after you finish everything—it’s fuel that lets you show up with clarity, confidence, and heart. When your cup is empty, you’re not “pushing through”; you’re slowly burning out. And the world needs the version of you that feels alive, not the one running on fumes.

A moment that shifted everything

At a recent music festival on the Outer Banks, I got on stage feeling a little rusty. My fingers weren’t as fast, my calluses were gone, and the transitions weren’t perfect. But afterward a friend said, “You looked so grounded up there.” She was right. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I let the moment be what it was—laughing with old friends, soaking up the ocean air, reconnecting with the part of me that simply loves music. Ironically, the performance landed better because I wasn’t obsessing over perfection; I was present. That presence filled my cup more than “doing it right” ever could.

How to refill your cup (fast + doable)

1) Unplug for 30 minutes

Shut the laptop. Put your phone on silent. Step outside. Read three chapters. Watch a silly show. Take a walk. Start with 30 minutes—then expand by five minutes next time. You’re training your brain to trust that rest is safe and productive. (Pomodoro-style sprints with real breaks are great if your attention likes short bursts.)

2) Reconnect with people who lift you

Not everyone gets VIP access to your energy. Text the friend who makes you laugh-snort. Call the sibling who knows the unpolished you. Go be with the people you can relax into—the ones who pour into you, not the ones who quietly drain you.

3) Do something joyful “just because”

Paint. Dance in your kitchen. Journal with a latte. Sit barefoot in the grass. Choose something that delights you with zero productivity strings attached. Joy for joy’s sake is not frivolous—it’s medicine.

The reframe you need to keep

You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Presence beats performance. Boundaries create bandwidth. And taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s strategic. When your cup is full, you lead better, love better, and live braver.

Listen to the episode

Want to hear the full story and a pep talk you can replay on tough days? Listen to this episode of RISE UP Buttercup wherever you get your podcasts. (Add your player link here.)

Come refill with us every week

If you want ongoing support, coaching, and tools (plus a community of women who get it), join the RISE UP Community. We have weekly power coaching calls, trainings, and resources to help you build confidence, communicate clearly, and lead with heart.
👉 https://ahigherwayofliving.com/riseupcommunity

Written by the team at A Higher Way Of Living