Beating the summer slump with self-actualisation

It's that time of year. The pace has dipped. Calendars are full of out-of-office replies. And for many professionals, especially leaders the mid-year fog can settle in. You're doing the work, but the energy isn't quite there.

In recent coaching sessions and Emotional Capital Report (ECR) debriefs, self-actualisation is showing up again and again as a development opportunity. And interestingly, many people aren't sure what it actually means.

So let's simplify it.

What is self-actualisation, really?

It's not just about achievement. It's about feeling fulfilled by the path you're on – growing, contributing and doing things that matter to you. It's a blend of purpose, progress and joy.

"Self-actualisation is all about getting to know yourself so you can unlock your full potential and be the best version of yourself." – Growth Tactics

"Self-actualising leaders operate from a clear sense of purpose and are emotionally engaged with the impact they make." – Dr. Martyn Newman

Why it dips in summer

Even high performers can lose their spark when they're:

• overcommitted to everyone else's priorities

• disconnected from their own goals and values, or

• simply running on autopilot

And let's be honest – many leaders (especially those who are also parents or caregivers) are running on low reserves by this point in the year.

"Self-actualisation isn't a destination. It's a continuous journey of personal growth, self-reflection and living in line with your values." – Growth Tactics

What this looks like for me

As someone who coaches leaders and runs my own business while parenting three busy girls – I've felt this too.

Earlier in the summer, I had a day where everything was getting done, but none of it felt meaningful. Meetings, emails, school runs… but no real spark.

So I paused and asked myself: What would future me thank me for doing this week?

The answer wasn't more screen time. It was reconnecting with someone who inspired me, stepping outside for 20 minutes and giving myself permission to re-dream a workshop I'd been delivering on autopilot.

That small check-in brought back energy I hadn't even realised I was missing.

Three practices to reignite your motivation

1. Reconnect with your "why"

Ask: What part of my work gives me energy? What would I miss if I stepped away tomorrow?

"Self-actualisation closes the gap between our values and our actions, conjuring up peace in our decision-making." – Growth Tactics

2. Audit your week for purpose and play

Self-actualisation isn't built on busyness. Ask yourself:

• What do I need less of this week?

• Where could I swap pressure for play?

Sometimes, the most nourishing moments come when we give ourselves space.

Recently I blocked out an afternoon – not for work or planning, but just to be. Three friends, eleven kids, and hours at the beach.

It wasn't over-organised. It was simple, spontaneous joy: picnics, sea swims, cartwheels in the sand, crab fishing, takeaway chips… and sand absolutely everywhere.

These are the moments that feed the soul. The ones that remind us who we are outside of roles, tasks and to-do lists. Remember we are human beings now human doings!

Let's normalise rest as part of leadership, not the opposite of it. Less pressure, more leisure. That's not just a mindset – it's a leadership skill.

3. Share the feeling

Motivation spreads – and so do emotions. Emotions are contagious, and your energy (or lack of it) is felt by those around you, especially in leadership roles.

A simple check-in or uplifting conversation can reignite not just your spark, but someone else's too.

Why this matters now

"Emotional intelligence – including traits like self-awareness and self-actualisation – is one of the top 10 skills for the future of work." – World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report

According to Gallup, only 33% of employees feel engaged at work globally and that figure is even lower in Europe.

Engagement is deeply connected to feeling valued, purposeful and self-directed – in other words, self-actualised.

Final thoughts

Self-actualisation isn't a luxury, but the fuel that keeps leaders inspired – especially in the long stretch between strategy days and year-end results.

"Less pressure, more play." It's a reminder to protect the joy, curiosity and freedom that fuels our best work – and our most human leadership.

Your best leadership doesn't come from constant motion. It comes from moments of clarity, creativity and conscious choice.

Let's normalise rest. Let's reconnect with purpose. Let's lead from within.

How I can help

If you're feeling a little "off purpose" right now – or curious where self-actualisation and emotional intelligence sit for you or your team – let's talk.

I offer Roche Martin ECR assessments, one-to-one coaching and team workshops designed to bring more clarity, energy and meaning into your leadership and culture.

Drop me a message on Enterprise Nation or visit www.natashahughes.ie to learn more.