“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
Mark Black
Leadership often feels like a relentless push forward, doesn’t it? The endless meetings, decisions, and demands pile up, and before you know it, you’re sprinting on a treadmill that never stops. I’ve been there—thinking that pushing harder and doing more would eventually lead to a breakthrough. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t. The harder I pushed, the more I realized that clarity, creativity, and resilience couldn’t survive in the chaos of constant motion.
Mark Black’s words are a sharp reminder that stepping back isn’t a weakness—it’s strategy. It’s a moment to breathe, reflect, and refocus.
Why Relaxation Matters More Than You Think
For years, I believed rest was a reward for crossing the finish line. But leadership isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon, and the clarity to make tough decisions, the creativity to innovate, and the resilience to keep going are cultivated in the quiet moments.
When I intentionally create space to pause, even briefly, I see things differently. Problems shrink, solutions emerge, and I can engage with people from a place of calm strength instead of reactive tension. Leadership thrives on clarity, and clarity thrives on rest.
How to Start Prioritizing Rest Without Guilt
Let’s be practical. Building rest into your leadership rhythm doesn’t mean taking a week off in the middle of a crisis. It means finding small, intentional ways to recharge every day:
- Schedule Non-Negotiable Breaks: Block 10 minutes on your calendar each day to sit quietly. No emails. No phone. Just space to think.
- Explore Mindfulness: Simple practices like deep breathing or meditation can work wonders. If you’re curious about where to start, I recommend 10% Happier by Dan Harris.
- Watch This TED Talk: Andy Puddicombe’s All It Takes Is 10 Mindful Minutes is a practical and encouraging introduction to mindfulness.
Leadership Is Modeled, Not Just Taught
If you want your team to embrace balance, show them what it looks like. Your willingness to prioritize rest signals that it’s okay for them to do the same. Trust me, they’ll follow your lead more than your words.
A Challenge for Today
Here’s my challenge to you: choose one intentional way to pause today. Take a walk without your phone. Close your eyes for five minutes and focus on your breath. Write down one thing you’re grateful for. Leadership isn’t about how much you can do; it’s about how well you can do what truly matters. And sometimes, the most important thing you can do is pause, breathe, and give yourself the space to lead with intention.
