The Counterintuitive Habit That Fuels Business Success
This past weekend, I did something I haven’t done in a long time — I spent an entire day not working.
Instead, I spent it with two of my oldest friends — one I’ve known since second grade, and one who was my college roommate. We’ve been buddies for over 50 years. That’s rare these days. I treasure it and their friendship is a real blessing.
Every year, we get together for what we call The Fleeting Youth Tour — a tradition that usually involves good food, endless stories, and a minor league baseball game. This year took us to Indianapolis. Honestly, we barely watch the game when we’re together because we’re too busy laughing, catching up, and reminiscing.
And here’s the thing: work had no foothold in this day. None.
I told my buddies that it was probably the first day in ages that I didn’t spend even part of the day thinking about work. For so many business owners, that’s a foreign concept. When you’re trying to build momentum and keep that flywheel turning, the idea of a full day off can feel almost unthinkable.
We live in an era where social media is filled with entrepreneurs claiming they make money while barely working. Maybe that works for some. But for most business owners, success is built on persistence, hands-on effort, and lots of late nights.
That’s why this day felt so good. And it made me think about something that sounds counterintuitive: rest actually fuels productivity.
Why Rest Works
From a faith perspective, it also lined up perfectly — it was a Sunday. I grew up learning about the Sabbath and how we’re called to rest. But it’s more than just a religious practice — it’s part of God’s design for our lives. Rest restores. Rest heals.
As business owners, our minds almost never shut off. Even when we’re not at the desk, we’re thinking about goals, sales, problems to solve, people to call. That nonstop pace doesn’t just cause burnout — it chips away at creativity, energy, and joy.
When you allow yourself to unplug — really unplug — something amazing happens: your mind clears. You get fresh ideas. You reconnect with what matters most. You remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place.
Practical Tips to Unplug & Recharge
Here are just a few things that I’d encourage you to do as a fellow business leader:
Don’t open the laptop for a day.
Open a book instead. Something enjoyable that you can get lost in.
Have a real conversation with someone you care about. You'll learn something, I promise.
Make a new memory. Play like a child if you have to.
Take a nap without guilt.
Go outside and soak in God’s creation.
Build into and encourage someone who could use some positive words today.
The Business Case for Rest
Taking intentional breaks isn’t slacking — it’s strategic stewardship. When you recharge, you lead better. You serve customers better. You build a business on solid ground instead of running yourself into it.
If you want to be your best self as a business owner and leader, you need to make rest part of your regular rhythm — not just a once-a-year luxury. I commit to being intentional about it going forward.
So I’ll ask you: Are you ready for greater productivity and creativity in your business?
Maybe… you just need a break.
When you work with us at Mastering Profitability, I’ll give you the strategies, tools, and blueprint to build a business that thrives for the long haul — but I’ll also remind you to care for the most important asset in your business: you.
Take some time this week to rest. Your future self will thank you.
Be blessed. Do good stuff today.
