Rest as a Secret to Success?

At a recent weekend open water swim camp, the swimmers had big goals - swim across Eel Bay and back. They’d swum this far before during the weekend, but never traveled that far in a single swim. How to put it all together to ensure success? 

For these athletes, the secret was fuel and rest - both before and during the swim. Making sure they were hydrated before they started and then taking in calories during the swim to so that they didn’t run out of gas before reaching their goal. A good night’s sleep and then occasionally stopping to rest on their swim buoy as they went across meant they were able to think clearly and keep an eye on their progress toward their goal of the far shore.

As leaders, it often feels like taking time to rest and refuel means we are putting our goals to the side. But what if R&R doesn’t keep us from success, but actually moves us forward?

All big goals in life need fuel. Some of this is physical, like for the swimmers, to make sure we have the needed energy to achieve our dreams. But when chasing goals, we often forget to rest and recharge our brains as well as our bodies. Taking down time enhances your creativity and brings fresh energy to your pursuits.

Taking time to rest each day without phones or technology, to let our brains relax for even a few minutes, helps prevent burnout. Taking a bit longer each week helps bring that creativity to help you reach your goals in ways you never thought possible.

What is your favorite way to get some R&R each day to refresh your brain?