We’ve all heard it: “I’ll rest when I’m done.” But here’s the thing—when you’re always on, you’re actually performing less, not more.
High-performance athletes don’t just train hard—they prioritize recovery as part of their routine. Yet many high achievers treat rest as something you do only on vacation—and then burn themselves out trying to make up for lost time before and after.
Why Rest is a Competitive Advantage
🧠 Rest fuels strategic thinking – Your brain needs downtime to process information, make better decisions, and sustain focus.
⚡ Recovery prevents burnout – Pushing through exhaustion doesn’t lead to greatness—it leads to mistakes and fatigue.
🎨 Creativity happens in the gaps – Some of your best insights come when you step away and give your mind space to breathe.
The Shift: Build Rest Into Your Routine
When I was coaching a senior leader, they were constantly running on fumes—back-to-back meetings, emails at all hours, and a never-ending to-do list. They thought working harder was the answer.
The shift? We built in intentional recovery—structured breaks, a real lunch hour, and shutting down work at a set time. Not only did their focus improve, but they became a better decision-maker, leading more strategically instead of reacting to everything.
Their biggest realization? “I thought rest would slow me down. Turns out, it’s the thing that helped me level up.”
How to Rest Like an Athlete
✔ Stop treating rest as a reward. It’s fuel for performance, not something you “earn.”
✔ Take micro-recoveries. Rest isn’t just sleep—it’s changing your environment. Take a walk in the middle of the afternoon, call a friend to share a laugh, or do something that creates a pause. Small resets make a big difference.
✔ Create a shutdown ritual. Define a clear end to your workday so your brain can recharge.
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership strategy.
What’s one way you build rest into your routine? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear how you make it work.
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♻️ Share this to your network or someone who needs the reminder to rest.