I have friends that are superhuman. They are always on the go, have a new project in the works and accomplish far more than I do in 24 hours. Does this describe someone you know?

You wonder how they never burn out. You ask yourself, “Do they ever stop to rest?” Might it be that you aren’t getting the whole story? What truly allows them to be at their best, display excellence and stay energized?

The rest of the story

When I ignorantly try to compare myself to this superhuman image, I feel like I’m spinning my wheels. I think to myself, “I must work harder, and faster. I have to do more to get ahead.”

However, a deeper investigation reveals the true rhythms that underlie the outward pursuit of excellence. Some of my friends observe the sabbath. Another person took his wife to Europe for a month last year to rest. Still another starts each day with quiet reflection and prayer which fuels all he does.

The truth

My wife and I just got back from a road trip. Along the way we had to stop for gas. The indicator on the dashboard told when our fuel levels were getting low. If we didn’t stop to refill the tank, we could end up stranded, stuck on the side of the road while everyone else zoomed right by. While it took time to stop, pump the gas and get back on the road, it was a necessity we couldn’t ignore.

The same is true of our energy. Our energy is like a gas tank, once its empty, that’s it, we’re out of commission. To prevent that from happening, we have to refill the tank from time to time. We need to stop, rest, rejuvenate and care for ourselves. When we do, we perform better.

Just to clarify, I’m operating with a broad sense of the word rest. Sleep might be the first thing that pops into your head, but there are many ways to rest.

Why we neglect rest

We all know we need rest. However, we let ourselves be fooled by our own flawed thinking. Here are a few examples of thoughts that keep us from getting what we need:

• I have too much else to do.
• I don’t have time.
• Recovery is for the weak.
• I should be able to handle everything on my own.
• Sleep is for sissies.
• Time is money.

What thoughts hold you back from making rest an intentional part of your life?

Benefits of rest

Conceptually, we understand that rest helps us be at our best in work, sports and life. But, just in case you need a reminder, here are a few benefits of rest:

• Greater productivity
• Increased happiness
• Sustained energy
• Deeper engagement in work, play and relationships
• More perseverance when facing challenges

Intentionally pursue rest

By take 5 exploratory steps, you can increase your rest while also cultivating your excellence. By becoming more intentional in your pursuits of rest, you’ll become more effective and efficient while also feeling more energized. Here’s how:

Step 1: Take out a piece of paper. So old fashioned, I know. Or you can download the free worksheet at the bottom of this post and skip the set-up.

Step 2: Draw a line down the center to create two columns. Leave room at the bottom for something important.

Step 3: In the column on the left, make a list of activities you do to rest and recharge. Include things you truly enjoy, activities that refuel your energy tank. What are the things you get absorbed in? When do you lose track of time because your so focused or lost in something fun?

Step 4: In the column on the right, list the date (as best you can) for the last time you did each activity on your list. You may be surprised how long it’s been since you took a walk on the beach or enjoyed a a good read.

Step 5: At the bottom, identify a couple of intentional thoughts to help you put more emphasis on rest. Write them on a sticky note or on your white board.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

• “Work hard, play hard.”
• “I need to be an example for my kids, that being a grown up is still fun.”
• “Work to live, not live to work.”

Step 6: Go do something rest-inducing. One of my favorite things to do for rest is to play. Be strategic in how you rest and rejuvenate. If you are physically depleted, going for a run isn’t the best idea. However, if you’re mentally depleted, then a run may be just the ticket. Mix in different activities for refueling your tank. Remember, variety is the spice of life.

I see so many people driving along with only gas fumes in their tanks. They are stressed, frustrated and irritable, trying to keep up with a pace of life they simply aren’t created for. If we live this lifestyle, we will burn out. We will find ourselves stranded on the side of the road holding our thumbs out for help as others race by. It is inevitable, if we don’t rest. Take control of your thoughts. Remind yourself of the benefits.

Download a FREE worksheet and 10 Recommendations for Restful Activities!

Question: What is your favorite way to rest and recharge? Share yours in the comments below this post.

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