You Don’t Need Permission to Rest

We work hard to excel in our careers.

We chase growth, deliver results, and push through fatigue.

And then, inevitably, burnout shows up.

Why?

Because somewhere along the way, we started believing one of the most limiting lies in professional life:

“I can’t take time off right now.” or worse — “I need a good reason to rest.”

We convince ourselves that downtime must be earned. That we need to justify rest with an event — a vacation, family visit, or milestone.

So we say things like,

“Once I get through this project…” “Once this quarter wraps up…” “Once things settle down…”

But things rarely settle down. One project ends, another begins. Another deadline looms. Another “can’t-miss” opportunity lands on your plate.

And before you know it, you’ve been running on fumes for months, maybe years, wondering why the finish line keeps moving.

A Personal Wake-Up Call

Over the past couple of days, I took time off because family was visiting. This time was deeply meaningful, as family members grow older and health challenges have made these moments fewer and farther between.

But here’s the truth: I rarely take time off just for me. Usually, I only step away when there’s a family event or a planned vacation.

During this recent period of time off (5 days), I got sick. Not just tired — sick.

In fact, I still have the symptoms as I write this article (from the couch).

And when I talked about it with my wife, we realized something: this wasn’t new. Each time I’ve finally stepped away for a few days, I’ve gotten sick right after.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

It felt like my body finally got permission to exhale — releasing the stress I’d been carrying for months. A forced reset.

It got me thinking about how we often need to struggle to gain clarity, how sometimes our body does what our calendar refuses to allow.

The Message Beneath the Burnout

Our bodies are wise. They’ll whisper first: through fatigue, irritability, or distraction. If we don’t listen, they’ll eventually raise their voice.

That time off reminded me: taking time to rest isn’t indulgent. It’s maintenance.

When we ignore our need for recovery, we’re not being “dedicated," we’re being short-sighted. We drain the energy, focus, and creativity that make us effective.

And ironically, by refusing to take a break, we often end up creating the exact conditions that make our work less impactful.

Rest Is a Leadership Strategy

If you’re leading people, or even just leading yourself, here’s the truth: Rest is not a reward. It’s a responsibility.

Leaders who never disconnect model a version of success that’s unsustainable. They unintentionally teach their teams (and themselves) that the only way to succeed is to sacrifice health, family, and self-care along the way.

That’s not leadership. That’s survival.

I’m writing this to reinforce to myself and to you that permitting ourselves to rest isn’t a weakness — it’s a strategic advantage. When I rest intentionally, I return more focused, creative, patient, and present.

And presence, one of my guiding words for this year, is something I can’t fake or manufacture. It’s something I have to protect.

My Commitment Moving Forward

This experience was a reset for me — a notice to myself: I need to take time off for me, not just when it’s convenient.

Time off to reflect. To recharge. To simply be.

Because I don’t want to wait until burnout, or my body forces me to stop. I want to lead myself with the same care and intention I encourage in others.

Leadership Reflection: Try This

If you’ve ever told yourself,

“I’m too busy right now to take time off,” try flipping the question:

What might become possible if I did?

Start small. Block half a day off next month, that’s just for you. No errands. No email. No obligations. Then notice what changes when you return.

You don’t need permission to recharge. You need courage to prioritize it.

Your Turn: When was the last time you took time off just for yourself, not for family, travel, or obligation, but purely to rest and reset?

How do you protect your energy and model sustainable performance for those around you?

Until next time - lead with purpose, presence, and leave a positive impact!

Todd Greider

At AEG Performance & Coaching, we help leaders reframe their mindset, improve accountability (to themselves and team), and drive their careers and lives with intention and purpose.

💬 Ready to shape the mindset you need to achieve your goals? Schedule a complimentary discovery call to start leading with clarity, purpose, and impact.