Running on Empty: Why Going “All-In” Might Be Holding You Back
We’ve all heard the mantra:
“You’ve got to be all-in to make it.”
But let’s be honest—what does all-in actually mean?
For many entrepreneurs, especially those building in the social impact space, we slip into the habit of no days off, late nights, back-to-back meetings, hours on a screen, blurring the lines between self and startup until they’re one and the same.
But here’s the truth: going “all-in” without coming up for air isn’t a strategy—it’s a slow slide into burnout.
And if you're running on empty, it doesn't just affect you—it affects your mission, your team, and your ability to make a meaningful impact.
What Running on Empty Actually Looks Like
It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtle. Creeping. Quiet.
Here are some signs you might be burning out—even if you haven’t realized it yet:
1. Decision Fatigue and Indecisiveness
Simple choices feel heavy. You second-guess yourself constantly. You delay decisions, not because you’re being strategic—but because your brain is fogged.
2. Overworking as a Coping Mechanism
You tell yourself, “Once I finish this, I’ll feel better.” But the to-do list never ends. The work becomes a way to avoid the discomfort—of uncertainty, of anxiety, of failure.
3. Constant Fatigue (Even After Rest)
You sleep, but it’s not restorative. You take a weekend “off,” but dread Monday by Sunday afternoon. Your body is talking—are you listening?
4. Emotional Flatness
Things that used to spark joy or fire you up now feel… meh. Wins don’t feel like wins anymore. It’s like your emotional range has shrunk to just “numb” and “overwhelmed.”
5. Growing Disconnection
From your friends. From your body. From the why behind your work. You’re “on” all the time, but not really present for any of it.
The startup world often idolizes the entrepreneur who sacrifices everything. But…
Does being exhausted make you a better leader?
Does neglecting your relationships help you build community?
Does chronic stress make you more innovative?
Nope. In fact, the opposite is true. Sustainability is a leadership skill. Having the self-awareness to recognize when your internal battery is blinking red is essential.
What Feeling “Rooted” In Your Mission Could Look Like Instead
Let’s move away from the myth of “all-in” and plant ourselves in something deeper. At Collectively Tangled, we’re redefining founder commitment: we’re rooted-in.
That means being deeply grounded in your mission and values—without losing yourself in the process.
Because here’s the thing: We’re not just building companies—we’re investing in the people behind them. And that includes investing in mental health.
Being rooted-in might look like:
Taking breaks as a form of strategy, not guilt
Leading with clarity, not from a place of depletion
Building teams and cultures where mental well-being is the norm, not the exception
You can care deeply and rest. You can push for change and protect your peace. You can be committed and set boundaries.
Let’s normalize a new kind of leadership—one that’s sustainable, self-aware, and mentally resilient.
Because the future of impactful entrepreneurship doesn’t come from being all-in at the cost of everything else.
It comes from being rooted-in—so you can grow, lead, and thrive for the long haul.
