DR. ACE GOERIG
OWNER & CO-FOUNDER DDS, MS, ABE Diplomate
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re tired, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and maybe even spiritually. You’re still showing up every day, seeing patients, managing a team, handling the business side of your practice, but it feels like you’re running on fumes.
I want you to know: you’re not alone. Many of the top doctors I’ve coached have hit this wall at some point. And the truth is, the more successful you are, the more pressure you carry, so it’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a signal that something needs attention.
Leadership Doesn’t Pause When You’re Tired
Leadership is a constant demand. Your team looks to you for energy, direction, and clarity. But what happens when you have nothing left to give?
Here’s what I’ve learned, through my own journey and through working with thousands of doctors over the years: You don’t have to feel 100% to make powerful decisions. In fact, when you’re tired, clarity often comes from doing less, not more.
1. Recognize the Early Signs
Fatigue shows up long before you crash. Here are a few things to look out for:
- You dread Mondays—or even every morning.
- You’re reactive instead of proactive.
- You’re taking work home mentally (or literally).
- You’ve lost interest in growing the practice.
- Team issues seem too exhausting to tackle.
These aren’t just “bad days.” They’re warning signs that your leadership energy is depleted.
2. Pause to Recalibrate (Not to Escape)
Tired leaders often fall into two traps: pushing harder, or retreating completely.
But what you need is a purposeful pause. Take a step back to ask yourself:
- What’s really draining me?
- What part of my leadership do I need to delegate?
- What would give me more energy—starting tomorrow?
Often, the problem isn’t that you’re doing too much. It’s that you’re doing too much of the wrong stuff.
3. Decide Without Overthinking
One of the biggest myths in leadership is that we need to see the whole staircase before taking the first step.
That’s not true.
Think of your leadership decisions like driving at night. Your headlights only show 100 feet ahead, but that’s all you need to keep moving forward.
If your practice is stuck in drama, disorganization, or declining energy, don’t wait for the perfect time to fix it. Make a move. Bring in support. Delegate. Streamline. Shift the culture. It starts with one decision.
4. Build a Support System Around You
The hardest part of leading when you’re tired is that the load can feel lonely. But you’re not meant to carry it all.
Whether it’s a trusted team member, a coach, or a peer who understands the business of endodontics, lean on others. Real leadership isn’t about going it alone. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who help you rise when you feel like sinking.
5. Reignite Your Vision
Burnout often stems from a disconnect between where you are and where you want to be.
You didn’t go into endodontics just to put out fires or deal with team stress. You had a bigger vision—freedom, impact, joy, contribution.
That vision is still in you. You just need to reconnect with it.
Take some quiet time. Revisit your goals. Remember why you started. Then ask yourself: “What do I need to change now to start leading from that place again?”
Final Thought
You don’t have to feel full of energy to lead powerfully.
You just have to be willing to make the next right move, no matter how small. That’s how momentum builds. That’s how leadership is restored. And that’s how tired doctors become inspired leaders again.
When you’re ready, we’re here to walk beside you. Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call.