Not all lessons are created equal.

Some are gentle reminders: don’t forget to drink water, get enough sleep, and smile at strangers.

Others hit you like a bus, fundamentally reshaping the way you live and work.

Here’s the single most important lesson I’ve learned about resilience over the past 40 years in healthcare and in 5 years as an entrepreneur, when the chips are down:

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

This lesson came sharply into focus after my father passed away last month. Grieving, managing clients, meeting deadlines, and keeping up with this writing challenge—it felt like everything was happening all at once. I tried to push through. But I have hit a wall.

I’m realising : the only way I can keep going is by pausing.

When you prioritise self-care—whether it’s a 10-minute walk, saying “no” to that extra project, or simply letting yourself cry—you recharge your ability to give. It’s not selfish; it’s survival.

And if you’re a health professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, I want you to know this: you cannot care for others, build your dream, or survive tough seasons unless you first care for yourself.

This is not just resilience. It’s the foundation for success.

So today, ask yourself: what do I need to refill my cup? The answer might change everything.