I read 2 articles recently about how the BEST in the world are experts at knowing when to REST.
They talked about LeBron James and Roger Federer, specifically.
It’s impossible for anyone to give 110% of their mental or physical energy for long periods of time.
In order to perform better that everyone else (even at the TOP), you need to know how and when to conserve energy.
LeBron knows when to walk up and down the court to save his energy for a dominant 4th quarter…when everyone else is gassed.
Federer puts in 120% during his SHORT practice sessions. He practices less and competes in fewer tennis tournaments than other tennis pros.
Everything they do is deliberate.
Think about that. You shouldn’t train/practice/work nonstop for 8 hours a day. It does you no good.
Instead, work/train/practice in INTENSE bursts…where you have complete focus and no distractions.
Make sure everything you do in that BURST is deliberate and has a purpose.
Then REST. Take a break and walk away. Look at your phone or go for a walk.
Google the “pomodoro technique” if you’re really interested in this.
You will rejuvenate and sustain your energy much longer.
How I take breaks
30 minutes on, 5 minutes off.
That’s generally how I work and train.
Taking breaks is crucial for memory retention and sustaining your mental energy.
For breaks, I recommend doing something mindless to shut your problem solving brain off.
Walks are fantastic. Check your phone, whatever.
Walking and showering are my secret weapons when it comes to solving problems, gaining insight, and leveling up my memory and business.
During breaks…I shut off my mind, but my brain synthesizes everything I’ve been working on. Then, it spits out a stream of thoughts.
This stream of thoughts offers new angles and ideas that I use to improve.
I think we all have this “voice” or stream of consciousness that tries to speak to us.
Next time you’re working hard on something, take a break. Let everything marinate in your mind as you go for a walk.
Don’t try to think about what you’ve been doing. Enjoy the weather, think about something completely different.
Learn how to listen to this “voice” when it comes through. Don’t filter or judge it as if flows through you. Write down the ideas and thoughts that come.If you’re having trouble with this, it’s because it’s a paradox:
The more you think about it, the quieter this voice will be.
Try to “let go” and allow the stream to come.
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