EP169: Why the Magic of Vitality Matters in Your Leadership
WHAT WOULD IT BE LIKE TO BE FULLY ALIVE?
It’s possible - and it matters!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
Vitality.
It’s not a word I had given much thought to until I attended a local event called Be Alive 25. While the event itself was designed to spark inspiration and connection among women, the real takeaway for me was the concept of vitality—what it means, why it matters, and how deeply it impacts us as leaders.
This episode is a reflection on what I learned and how you can begin to assess and elevate your own vitality, both in life and in leadership.
What Is Vitality?
The dictionary defines vitality as "the state of being strong and active." It’s rooted in the Latin word vita, meaning “life.” But beyond the definition, vitality is an energy. It’s a sense of aliveness, of being grounded in purpose and capable of moving through life with intention and enthusiasm.
Where engagement is about participation, vitality goes deeper. It’s a proactive, internal state of being. You can be engaged without feeling vital. But high vitality often amplifies engagement—and everything else.
Why Vitality Matters in Leadership
Leaders carry a lot: responsibilities, decisions, people development, vision casting, and more. Without vitality, we can end up burned out, reactive, and disconnected from ourselves and others.
Vitality fuels authentic energy. It enables you to inspire, to build trust, to foster resilience, and to lead from a place of alignment and connection. A leader who embodies vitality creates a ripple effect—energizing teams, strengthening morale, and improving outcomes.
Low vitality, on the other hand, often leads to disengagement, poor communication, and even burnout. Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or witnessed it in others, the impact is real.
A Quick Vitality Assessment
At the Be Alive 25 event, we were guided through a simple assessment to reflect on our personal vitality. I want to share it with you so you can explore where you stand. All credit goes to TIffany Mattick - the event host!
Rate yourself on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high) on the following:
How energized do you feel when you wake up?
How present and engaged are you in your daily activities?
How much of your time is spent on things that bring you joy and purpose?
When was the last time you did something just for fun or curiosity?
How well do you take care of your physical energy—sleep, nutrition, rest?
Scoring:
5–10: Low Vitality
11–18: Time to Refocus
19–25: Thriving
My score was a 19. I’ll be honest—I was surprised. But as I dug deeper, I realized I’ve been putting in intentional effort over the past couple of years, and it’s paying off. That’s worth celebrating.
Understanding Your Current and Future State
After the assessment, we went through an exercise that mirrors what I often do with coaching clients:
Current State: What’s taking up your time and energy today? Where is your attention going—mentally and physically?
Future State: What do you want to be focusing on? What does the ideal version of you look like?
Your Why: What’s your purpose? Why does vitality matter to you?
Fuel and Barriers: What habits, people, or practices fuel you? What’s getting in your way?
This reflection helps reveal alignment—or misalignment—between where you are and where you want to be. And that clarity? It’s powerful.
What Fuels Me (And Might Fuel You Too)
Part of why my score landed in the "thriving" category is that I’ve worked hard on building fuel into my life. Some of the things that support my vitality:
Eating healthier, thanks to working with a nutrition coach
Prioritizing sleep (even if it’s still a work in progress)
Honoring alone time without guilt
Meditation, journaling, and setting intentions in the morning
Working with a coach and surrounding myself with support
This didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a process of intention, small steps, and letting go of old beliefs—especially ones that kept me stuck in perfectionism or people-pleasing.
How You Can Cultivate Vitality
Here are some places to start:
Prioritize self-care (movement, rest, hydration, nourishment)
Align your work and values
Know your triggers and pay attention to how you respond
Recognize your thoughts and emotions—they shape your results
Build connection with others in meaningful ways
Establish routines that ground you—morning, evening, or both
Celebrate what’s working instead of only focusing on what’s next
Vitality Is a Leadership Superpower
Vitality isn’t about having perfect habits or always feeling “on.” It’s about cultivating energy, purpose, and alignment—even amid life’s curveballs. When you’re aware of your vitality and intentional about nurturing it, you’re better equipped to lead with clarity, authenticity, and resilience.
What Do You Think?
How alive do you feel? What is your vitality score?
Links
Referenced in the episode: Tiffany Mattick
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