E30 Transcript
Hey there, fabric creatives. If we were chatting over coffee, I would tell you that the last few weeks have been some of the toughest I have ever encountered. Not THE toughest, but pretty darn close. I’ve had a series of challenges that, honestly, have shaken me to the core and have disrupted my usual rhythm completely. While I'm not quite ready to go into all the details, I will say this: it's really brought home the importance of rest. I’ve realized that sometimes our bodies are trying to tell us something, and in my case, the message was loud and clear. Rest is not just a luxury. I’ll say that again for those in the back – Rest is not a luxury—it's something we need to embrace if we want to keep showing up as our best selves, both in life and in our creative work.
So, today, I want to share a bit about WHY rest is actually an investment; A MUST have, not a nice-to-have. It’s something that will not only help recharge your energy but actually fuel your creativity and productivity in the long run. I’ve learned this firsthand in the last few weeks, and will continue the lesson for several more weeks. I’m learning just how much we need to be intentional about taking the time to unplug and recharge.
Now, I came across something recently that really hit home for me. Michael Hyatt and his team shared some questions they ask themselves when planning time off, and it was such a good reminder. I have been a part of his community for years and use his planners to keep myself organized and intentional. I resonated with the whole idea that rest isn’t just about checking out—it’s about giving ourselves the space to be present, to refuel, and to come back stronger.
Rest isn’t just a luxury. It’s an essential part of creativity and business success-especially business success. And today, I’m exploring why this is something we need to prioritize. So, join me, because this is something we could all use a little more of right now. So Let’s explore the idea that rest isn’t just a luxury we can afford when we’re tired. Rest is an essential part of our creative and business process, and it’s actually an investment in our energy, productivity, and long-term success. Michael Hyatt, a leader in personal productivity, often talks about how rest is necessary for creativity, energy, and leadership. I love how he emphasizes that it's not just about taking a break because we’re worn out—it’s about building rest into our routine to keep everything working at its best. That right there is the key- building it into our routine.
When we rest, our brains get a chance to reset. It’s like hitting the refresh button after we’ve been working nonstop. That mental clarity allows for new ideas to emerge, fresh perspectives to form, and creativity to flow more freely. You’ve probably had those moments when you step away from a project and come back with an entirely new approach or solution that you wouldn’t have thought of when you were pushing through.
I know for me, there have been so many times when I’ve tried to power through exhaustion or mental fatigue. And let me tell you—forcing myself to keep going has never, ever produced my best work. It’s like trying to sew when your needle is dull—no matter how much you push it, it’s just not going to work. But when I take a step back, even for a short time, it helps me reset. I find that I’m able to realign my focus, shift my intentions, and come back to the work with a clearer head and renewed energy.
Now, here’s something important to remember—rest means different things for different people. Rest doesn’t always have to mean sitting still in complete silence, though that may be helpful for some. Rest can be physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual. For me, sometimes taking rest means spending time outside, walking through nature to clear my head. Other times, it’s spending a few quiet moments journaling or sitting with a good book. It’s not about being completely sedentary—it's about giving yourself permission to step away from the grind and reconnect with yourself in whatever way feels restorative.
And that’s a great place to start when thinking about the role of rest in your own life and work—what does rest look like for you?
So let’s take a good look at the questions I told you that Michael Hyatt and his team suggest. I found this really powerful so I credit the Full Focus team for all of this!
Michael Hyatt and his team ask themselves five key questions when planning their time off. These questions help them ensure their rest is intentional and truly restorative. As I’ve been reflecting on my own need for rest—especially after the challenges of the last few weeks—I thought these questions could be helpful for all of us, especially as creative entrepreneurs. So, I’m excited to share them with you today and explore how they can apply to your own creative business.
And these aren’t just appropriate when you are planning a vacation or a summer trip. These are appropriate at any time, especially when you are feeling taxed and overwhelmed.
So Let’s jump right in with the first question: "What kind of rest do you need most right now?"
This is such an important question because rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. For some of us, physical rest is what we need most—maybe more sleep, or just some time to pamper ourselves and recharge. For others, it’s emotional or mental rest. Maybe it’s disconnecting from work, taking a break from the constant flow of ideas and deadlines and just doing something for fun. I know that for me, sometimes what I really need is mental space—time where I’m not constantly thinking about my next project or what needs to get done.
So, ask yourself—what type of rest do you need most right now? It’s okay to need different things at different times, and it’s important to acknowledge that. Your needs are valid.
Next up, question two: "How do you want to spend your time?"
Downtime doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing. We often think of rest as sitting in front of the TV or lying down, but rest can be so much more intentional. It’s about recharging your creativity, getting back to a place of peace, and really nourishing yourself. For me, sometimes that means taking a creative retreat where I can reconnect with my artistic side, or even taking time to walk outdoors and let my mind wander freely. You could also think about spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies that fill you up, or even just sitting quietly and reflecting.
So, how do you want to spend your time during your next break? What would really restore you, not just physically but emotionally and mentally too?
The third question: "What would make your time away feel meaningful—not just memorable?"
This one really struck me because it’s not just about taking a break or having fun—it’s about making that time away count. It’s easy to slip into the idea that a vacation or a break should just be about checking out or doing something new and exciting. How many times have we over planned and overscheduled a vacation or a weekend, only to come back and need a “vacation” from our vacation? The truth is, what makes it meaningful is the connection you create. It’s about the conversations, the quiet moments, and the little pleasures that help you reconnect with yourself and your priorities. Let me rephrase that – these breaks are about restoring yourself – not cramming in as much excitement as possible,
So, when you think about taking time off, what would make it feel meaningful and helpful for you? It could be as simple as spending uninterrupted time with family or even using that time to reflect and reset your business goals. Don’t just let it be about the time spent—it’s about the intention behind it.
Moving on to question four: "Who do you want to share it with—and how do you want to feel together?" – if anyone!
This question taps into the importance of shared experiences. For some of us, rest is about connecting with others—whether that’s family, friends, or a community that shares your passions. But there’s also the value of taking time for yourself, having that solo time to recharge your personal creative battery. Whether you’re sharing time with others or having some space to be by yourself, (or a combination) this question really highlights the importance of how we nurture those relationships, and how those connections feed our creative energy.
And finally, question five: "What needs to happen before you leave so you can fully unplug?"
This one is key to making sure that you can truly enjoy your rest. We all know how hard it can be to truly unplug when there are loose ends in our business or creative work. This is where “closing the loops” comes into play. For me, it might mean setting expectations with my clients, getting ahead on content, or just tying up any small tasks that might otherwise linger in the back of my mind. When I’ve taken the time to prepare, I can step away more fully, knowing everything is in good hands.
So, what needs to happen for you to be able to fully unplug? Setting yourself up for a break doesn’t mean it’s all work, but it’s about taking small steps to ensure that when you step away, you’re really stepping away.
Now let’s talk about the good stuff—the benefits of rest, and how taking a break doesn’t mean you’re slacking off. In fact, rest is actually an investment in your business and your creativity, not to mention your health and men tal clarity. It’s kind of like a recharging station for your mind and body. When you step away for a while, you come back with more focus, more energy, and a fresh perspective on your work.
You know, we always think we need to hustle hard and power through, but here’s the thing: if you don’t intentionally plan rest, your body will find a way to slow you down. I mean, you know that feeling—you’re running on fumes, and suddenly, a cold, fatigue, or burnout hits. It’s like your body’s way of saying, "Okay, that’s enough!" So, it’s far better to plan for rest than have your body force it on you. I’m speaking from experience here.
Now, here's a fun thought—what if rest could actually make you more productive? Seems counterintuitive, right? But when you take the time to truly rest, your mind clears, and you come back to work with a fresh outlook and a whole new level of energy. It’s like hitting the reset button for your creativity. When you’re well-rested, you can approach your work with more focus, and honestly, you get more done in less time because you’re not operating from a place of exhaustion. It’s not about working harder, but about working smarter.
So, how can we build rest into our busy lives? First, it’s important to recognize that rest isn’t just about “taking a break.” It's about setting realistic expectations and giving yourself permission to rest. That means setting boundaries—maybe it’s limiting your work hours or scheduling some “do nothing” days where you give yourself a break from thinking about work at all. You can even schedule moments of mental rest during your day—like stepping outside for a few minutes, closing your eyes for a short reset, or getting some fresh air. It's these little breaks that add up.
The key here is to plan your rest just like you plan your work. Don’t wait for your body or mind to tell you it’s time to stop. Intentionally plan for your breaks so you can show up as the best version of yourself when it’s time to work. After all, your mental and physical health are just as important as the work you’re doing. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?
As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to leave you with this: Remember rest is not a luxury; It’s a requirement. it’s a powerful tool for personal and business growth. I know it might sound counterintuitive—taking time away from your work to make progress on your goals? But trust me, that intentional time off is the thing that’s going to help you come back stronger, clearer, and more creative. The idea that productivity is about hustle 24/7? It’s a myth. True productivity comes when we’re well-rested, rejuvenated, and able to see things from a fresh perspective.
So, before we close out, I want to encourage you to reflect on your own creative journey. How are you approaching rest? Is it a priority, or are you waiting for your body to force it on you? Ask yourself the same questions Michael Hyatt poses to his team every year: What kind of rest do you need most right now? How do you want to spend your time? What would make your time away feel meaningful, not just memorable? These are not just questions for a vacation—they’re questions for how you live and work every day.
Now, take that first step—give yourself permission to rest and recharge, knowing it’s an investment in your business and your health. And, as always, if you found this episode helpful, I’d love for you to hit follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so we can continue this creative journey together.
Until next time—be kind to yourself and make time for rest. It’s the best thing you can do for your creativity and your business.
