Ask the Lonely: Executives and Loneliness

by Annika Sorensen | | Stress

Loneliness is often overlooked in the corporate world, yet it affects countless leaders at the top. Ask the lonely, and they’ll tell you – the higher you climb, the lonelier it gets. Despite leading teams and making crucial decisions, many executives experience a profound sense of isolation.

Research suggests that this loneliness isn’t just an emotional burden; it has serious health implications and can impact leadership effectiveness.

Ask the Lonely, And You’ll Know The True Cost of Isolation in Leadership

Executives and CEOs often bear the weight of responsibility alone. The pressure to make tough decisions, maintain composure, and project confidence can create an invisible barrier between leaders and their teams. According to studies, chronic loneliness can increase stress levels, weaken the immune system, and even shorten lifespan.

The Science Behind Loneliness and Stress

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a biological response. The body perceives social isolation as a threat, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing cortisol levels and putting executives at risk of burnout, anxiety, and heart disease. Studies show that prolonged loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

How Loneliness Affects Your Leadership Decision-Making

Loneliness alters cognitive function, making executives more risk-averse and less innovative. Neuroscientific research indicates that prolonged isolation changes brain activity, leading to heightened sensitivity to perceived threats. This can result in defensive leadership styles, decreased collaboration, and difficulty fostering trust within teams.

Ask the Lonely: How Can Leaders Overcome Isolation?

The good news? Loneliness is not a permanent condition. Executives can take proactive steps to reconnect and enhance their well-being.

1. Build a Trusted Inner Circle

Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, or executive peer groups. Sharing experiences with those who understand the pressures of leadership can reduce isolation and provide valuable insights.

2. Prioritize Work-Life Balance

High-achieving leaders often neglect personal relationships in pursuit of success. Scheduling time for family, friends, and hobbies is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health.

3. Leverage Professional Networks

Joining industry groups, attending conferences, and engaging in leadership forums can foster connections and reduce feelings of professional isolation.

4. Seek Executive Coaching or Therapy

Speaking with a professional can help executives navigate stress, improve emotional intelligence, and develop strategies to combat loneliness.

Ask the Lonely: A Call to Connection

Loneliness in leadership is real, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Ask the lonely, and they’ll confirm that isolation is a challenge – but one that can be overcome with the right strategies. Prioritizing relationships, emotional well-being, and open communication can transform leadership experiences, improving both personal and professional success.

If you like to learn more leadership stress management strategies, access my free eBook ‘Leadership With Less Stress’.

Stay In the PRESENT: Do Not Look Back!

by Annika Sorensen | | Stress

Why is it important to stay in the present and not look back?

Last week, I posted about stress in the middle of family time and one of the things I mentioned was about the memories from the past, and the no-good it brings.

Sure, while it’s fun to reminisce and all because good memories are always to treasure, you must remember to stay in those good memories and refrain from remembering the bad, and NEVER the “what ifs”. NEVER REGRET.

Why am I saying this?

MAJOR TURNING POINTS IN LIFE

When you are at a turning point in life – like the New Year celebration coming up every year – you always want to look back to see how it was before.

This does not only apply to New Year. It also works for any changes like changing schools, changing work, changing relationships, changing homes, or just about any turning point in life. You always want to look back and see what happened..

That is not a good practice, as this is where comparisons are done… This is where what-ifs are done.

REFLECT ON THE PRESENT AND NOT ON THE PAST

What we really need is to reflect on the present so we can make use of it to plan our future and be happy and successful.

“But I look in the past to use it as an inspiration that if that didn’t happen I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

That is great! 

However, generally, not everyone can do that as our brains are naturally wired for the negatives, set to focus on them to avoid dangers, like a survival instinct – to see the enemy before they see you.

Remember my post about surviving in savannah 200000ish years ago and how our biology didn’t change much but only the world? That’s it.

LESSONS, NOT EMOTIONS

So for looking back, thoughts must be controlled with all of the willpower that you have. Always remember to only get the lessons, but never get back on the emotions.

Once you have the lessons, use them in the now, and you can also start to look forward. What do you want? And although it’s not always obvious what we want, we still can as we always have a vague idea of what it could be.

What only stops most people is the fear – fear of the unknown, fear of failure. 

The uncertainty is always huge so fear shows up in all its glory, but as most risk-takers have said, “You really wouldn’t know unless you try”. right?

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Getting out of your comfort zone is where you grow, and the trick to get by your thoughts is always to stay in the now.

Be in this moment right here, as both the past and the future are just thoughts in your mind.

You cannot get back to the past, and the future has not yet happened – enjoy the process and see where it will take you.

There is no shortcut to success. Behind it is multiple times of failure, it’s just a matter of letting it win over you or trying again.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?

The key is…

TO HAVE A GOAL AND TO WORK ON IT EVERY DAY.

Once you have a goal, once you’ve found your purpose and your practice working on them every day…

They will become habits that you do not mind doing every day and one day, you’ll just be shocked that from the bottom you’ve now reached the top!

Set a goal outside of your comfort zone and watch yourself slowly grow…

BABY STEPS MATTER

And if your goal seems hard to achieve, remember that BABY STEPS MATTER. If you are patient and consistently work on your goal and just enjoy the process, you’ll be there without you even realizing it.

You can start with 5 first action points, and the rest will show up as you go along.

When something is into your subconscious already, your mind makes you act on it. 

So, keep it at this base – TODAY – and take small steps.

To your success and keep smiling,

Taking a Step Back: Your Guide to Gaining Clarity

by Annika Sorensen | | Stress

In the high-paced world of executive leadership, taking a step back may seem counterproductive, even like falling behind. Yet, stepping back is often the most strategic move you can make to regain clarity, reduce stress, and align your actions with your long-term vision.

Why Taking a Step Back Matters for Leaders

Leadership comes with relentless pressure: meeting deadlines, managing teams, and constantly staying ahead. However, the concept of taking a deliberate pause isn’t about slowing down but recalibrating.

I recently experienced this firsthand. After months of preparing for an international event, I faced unexpected complications—health waivers, pandemic risks, and a long list of logistical headaches. Initially, I ignored my gut feeling that something wasn’t right. But as the date approached, I chose to step back and evaluate. Why was I going? Was it worth the risk, time, and energy? The decision to cancel wasn’t easy but ultimately brought immense relief and clarity.

For executives, stepping back allows you to:

• See the bigger picture and reassess priorities.
• Reduce burnout by aligning actions with what truly matters.
• Make well-informed decisions instead of reactive ones.

The Power of a Pros-and-Cons List

One practical method I use to make tough decisions is creating a pros-and-cons list. Writing things down provides a tangible way to weigh your options. Often, your gut instinct surfaces even before you finish.

Ask yourself:

• What’s the worst-case scenario if I don’t proceed?
• How does this decision align with my personal and professional goals?
• Will this decision relieve or add to my stress?

By stepping back and reflecting, I avoided a costly trip that would have left me drained, both emotionally and financially. Instead, I gained time to focus on meaningful tasks that moved my goals forward.

Lessons from Stepping Back

1. Don’t Cling to Commitments: Circumstances change, and clinging to outdated plans often leads to unnecessary stress. Reassess your commitments regularly and let go of those that no longer serve your goals.
2. Stop Worrying About Perceptions: Many leaders hesitate to step back, fearing judgment from colleagues or clients. The reality? Most people are focused on their own priorities. Trust your decision-making process and focus on outcomes, not opinions.

Tips for Executives: When to Take a Step Back

• Identify Triggers: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck in a decision loop, it may be time to pause.
• Seek Clarity: Write down your options, consult with trusted mentors, or discuss with your team.
• Trust Your Gut: Often, the right decision becomes clear once you remove external noise and focus inward.

Moving Forward After Taking a Step Back

After taking a step back, resist the urge to second-guess your decision. Commit fully to your choice and channel your energy into the present. Remember, you can always adjust your course as new information becomes available.

Taking a step back isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful strategy for sustainable success. By embracing this mindset, you can lead with greater clarity, resilience, and focus.

To your success—and keep smiling! If you’re looking for guidance on managing stress or making impactful decisions, check out my free eBook here.

What’s your experience with stepping back? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!