You have probably heard about the oxygen mask rule.

If not, it goes like this: If you are on a flight and the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling, you’re supposed to don your mask first before helping others. Because if you keel over from lack of oxygen, you’re not going to be of use to anyone. Common sense, right?

The problem is common sense isn’t always common. I know many leaders who don’t take care of themselves first. They burn the candle at four ends. They work too much. They don’t exercise. They don’t eat well and never get enough sleep. Drive and determination, they believe, are all they need to succeed.

For a time that might work but eventually burn-out sets in.

The best leaders I have met – boundless leaders, as I call them – make themselves Job #1 for the simple reason stated above: If they collapse, all of their talents and skills are of no use to anyone.

Does that sound like you? Then it’s time for a change.

Put on the mask. Breathe deeply. Then help others.

Onward and upward.