Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

You can’t fake balance.

You can’t preach self-care while running yourself into the ground. You can’t tell clients to prioritize rest while you’re burning the candle at both ends. And you definitely can’t coach someone through their wellness journey if your own life feels like a treadmill you can’t step off.

This is why I’m talking about leadership by example.

What It Means to Lead from the Front

My son is a third-degree black belt, and one of the most important lessons he’s learned from his sensei is this: lead by example.

Not by bossing people around.

Not by telling them what to do.

But by being someone others want to follow.

II see the same truth in my own work. As a Wellness Strategist and Nutrition Evangelist, I coach clients every day on how to eat well, move more, set boundaries, and reduce stress.

But if I don’t model that in my own life? If I don’t show up feeling vibrant, rested, and aligned with what I teach?

It falls flat. Every time.

What Leadership by Example Looked Like Last Weekend

Over the July 4th holiday weekend, I gave myself a gift: four full days off.

Thursday through Sunday. No emails. No posts. No peeking at my project list. Just time with my son, some time in the sun, and some much-needed stillness.

And yes, when Monday came, I was a little behind. (I even forgot to prep something for my VA. Sorry again!) But I also came back with a sense of creativity, clarity, and energy that I absolutely would not have had if I’d tried to power through the weekend.

That’s what taking care of yourself can do. It fills your cup in a way that hustle never can.

Why This Matters for Wellness Professionals

If you’re in the health and wellness space, whether you’re coaching, consulting, speaking, or running programs, this part matters more than you think:

People don’t just hear your message. They feel it.

They feel when you’re coming from alignment.

They feel when you’re showing up with integrity.

They feel when your lifestyle is something they’d actually want for themselves.

It's not about being perfect. It’s about practicing what you preach.

So when you rest, fuel your body well, get outside, hydrate, sleep, and move with intention, you’re not just helping yourself. You’re modeling what’s possible for everyone who looks to you for leadership.

How to Stay in Alignment This Summer

This season, I’m choosing to work smarter, not harder. I’m planning my marketing, simplifying my backend systems, and protecting my downtime like it’s the most important meeting of the week (because it is).

And I want the same for you.

That’s why I’ve opened up a handful of summer strategy sessions, quick, one-time calls to help you step back, look at the big picture, and create a plan that supports your goals and your wellbeing.

Whether you need help setting boundaries, building a business that doesn’t burn you out, or just getting clear on what your next season should look like, I’m here.

Because leading by example starts with living well.

Ready to step into the kind of leadership that feels like freedom?

Let’s do this together.

→ Book your strategy session: https://dawnmcgee.as.me/CustomStrategy 

As always, what I hope for you is that you live a life you love without giving up the things that bring you joy.