Rest, Recovery, and Rethinking Success

I once ran a half-marathon and passed a sign along the way that read, “Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.” Those words stuck with me, not just for the race but as a metaphor for life. Many of us invest in tracking our steps, heart rates, and other indicators to see how far we can push ourselves and measure progress. Recently, a friend gifted me a Whoop, a device that measures things a bit differently. Instead of focusing solely on performance, it emphasizes recovery and restoration. It got me thinking about how, as top performers, we often overlook the importance of rest.

We’re conditioned to push harder, to find that extra ounce of energy, to give it our all, and to finish strong. But here’s the reality check: we all need rest. Our bodies and minds need time to refresh and recharge. We need sleep, but we also need time to think, create, share, and connect.

Rethinking the "All Work" Mindset

Personally, choose to work a lot. I was raised with a strong work ethic and taught that outworking others was one of the ways to win. While this mindset has its merits, it’s not without its flaws. Not everyone wants or needs extended vacations or sabbaticals, and not everyone will understand if you’re not the “vacation type.” The key is evaluating what you truly want and need.

At the end of the day, ask yourself:

Are you getting enough sleep?
Are you investing in the relationships that matter most to you?
Are you taking time to consider what you want to create in this season of life?
Are your actions aligned with a clear purpose, or are you simply plowing through out of habit?

Rest Versus Restlessness

When was the last time you paused to reflect on what you truly need to feel fulfilled? Does your calendar and your bank account reflect the life you say you desire? If not, it’s time to make changes.

Rest doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it might be a quiet weekend at home. For others, it might mean engaging in creative pursuits, spending time with loved ones, or even dedicating time to a passion project. Whatever it looks like for you, it’s essential to track and evaluate how rest contributes to your overall well-being and performance. Recovery isn’t just about physical rest; it’s about achieving a state of readiness to perform at your best.

Avoiding the Burnout Trap

There’s a law of diminishing intent: if you keep pushing through without rest, you’ll eventually break, one way or another. Exercise caution. Overworking might yield short-term results, but it’s not sustainable. True success involves knowing when to push and when to pause.

Here are some steps to strike a better balance:

Evaluate Your Needs: Identify what you need to feel energized and fulfilled. This could be sleep, time for hobbies, or moments of solitude.
Align Your Actions with Your Goals: Ensure your daily activities reflect the life you want to build.
Schedule Rest: Treat rest as a non-negotiable part of your routine. Block it out on your calendar if needed.
Measure Recovery: Use tools or personal reflection to assess how well you’re recovering. Are you operating at full capacity, or just getting by?

Pushing through is admirable, but it’s not always the answer. Rest if you must, but don’t quit. Take time to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what success means for you. When you prioritize recovery, you’ll find that you’re not only capable of achieving more but also doing so with greater clarity and purpose.