Stop Acting Like You Don’t Get Tired

Stop Acting Like You Don’t Get Tired

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In it, there’s a line that hit me like a freight train:

“Camels are traitorous. They walk thousands of paces and never seem to tire. Then suddenly they kneel and die. But horses tire bit by bit. You always know how much you can ask of them.”

That metaphor has stuck with me for years, because I’ve seen what happens when people—especially leaders—try to be camels. You pretend you’re not tired. You smile through the stress. You carry the weight of ten people. Then, one day, you collapse.

And no one saw it coming because you trained everyone to believe that you never get tired.

Let’s talk about why that approach is toxic—and how to lead like a horse instead.

You’re Not a Robot

We live in a hustle culture that celebrates burnout and silence. We admire the people who "power through it all" and take pride in doing the work of three people. But here's the reality:

  • Your body knows when you’re tired—even if you deny it.

  • Your team can feel your burnout—even if you hide it.

  • Your mission suffers when you ignore your exhaustion.

Being strong doesn’t mean hiding your struggle. True strength is knowing when to ask for help before the collapse.

The Cost of the “I Got This” Mentality

How many times have you said, “Yeah, I can do that,” when you were already overwhelmed?

It feels noble in the moment. But:

  • It trains people to over-rely on you.

  • It erodes boundaries.

  • It steals time from what actually matters (like your family or personal health).

  • It leaves you spent, bitter, and confused about why you're not getting ahead.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say is “No.” Not because you're weak—but because you're wise enough to protect your energy.

Be a Horse, Not a Camel

The beauty of a horse is this: you can see the signs of fatigue. You can make adjustments. You can give it rest, care, and nourishment—before it breaks.

You deserve the same.

  • Check in with yourself daily. Are you tired, or are you depleted?

  • Build a culture where it’s okay to say, “I need help.”

  • Stop glorifying the people who do the most work. Start honoring the ones who do the right work sustainably.

Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or just trying to stay afloat in your life, don’t confuse “capacity” with “invincibility.”

Leaders: Pay Attention to Your People

The best leaders aren’t the loudest—they’re the most observant. They notice when someone’s not themselves. They create space for people to be honest. They protect their team’s energy the way they’d protect the company’s bottom line.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you pushing your team like camels?

  • Or are you developing them like horses—with rhythm, support, and rest?

Because the difference might be the sustainability of your entire organization.

Action Steps

  • Audit your current workload. What can be delegated or dropped?

  • Schedule recovery time. Just like training, your energy needs a taper phase.

  • Open honest conversations. Whether with yourself or your team, normalize talking about limits and asking for help.

  • Redefine strength. Strength isn’t pretending. It’s preparing, preserving, and being present.


Back to blog