Lately I’ve been hearing, “You’re so busy.”
I get it. From the outside, it looks like I’m everywhere at once. Building, speaking, hosting, publishing. The assumption is that constant output must mean constant hustle. But here’s the truth: I’m resting more than I ever have. Seriously. I’m addicted.
What you see as busy is actually the result of a life and work rhythm where rest is my foundation, not my afterthought. I’m spending time with my family, not having many phone conversations, and not attending tons of events. I’ve been practicing active rest for months and with it comes active listening. That’s where I am.
Rest as Strategy, Not Reward
Most of us were taught to earn rest. To push until we’re exhausted, then collapse. But I’ve flipped the order. Rest comes first. It fuels my creativity, my leadership, and my capacity to hold space for others.
Capacity doesn’t equal constant activity. Just because you can fill every hour with tasks, meetings, and output doesn’t mean you should. True capacity is about knowing what you have the energy and focus to carry well, and choosing to steward it wisely. If we confuse capacity with activity, we end up burning out, overcommitting, and producing work that lacks depth. But when we honor our limits and protect space for rest, our capacity actually expands. We show up with clarity, creativity, and presence. Not just motion.
My productivity isn’t a result of constant motion. It’s actually the fruit of intentional stillness.
Active Rest in Action
Not all rest looks like sleep. One of the most powerful practices I’ve built into my life is active rest. Rhythms that restore me while still engaging my mind, body, or spirit in meaningful ways.
For me, that looks like long walks without my phone, journaling with no agenda, or cooking a meal slowly instead of rushing through it. But it also looks like implementing systems to work more efficiently instead of having no systems and burning myself out.
Active rest may require a slower, more strategic pace but I love it. You’re still in motion. But this time, it’s sustainable, it feels good, and you’re getting things done.
Rest as Thought Leadership
I believe rest isn’t the opposite of work. Rest is part of the work. It’s where vision gets clear, decisions get wise, and ideas get oxygen.
That’s why I’m leaning into what I call rest-driven results. It’s not about doing less, but about doing differently. It’s protecting your energy so you can sustain the work you’re called to do.
What does rest look like for you right now? This week, choose one way to honor your capacity without filling it with constant activity. Then, notice how it changes the way you show up.
I’d love to read your thoughts. Reply to this email or share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s start normalizing a rhythm of rest-driven results together.