Business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, parents and even elementary age students seem to have jam packed calendars with little or no down time.
We live in a society that can force people to move at a very fast pace. And it is easy to get on the treadmill of life and fool ourselves into thinking that faster and faster means more and more productive.
It is true that speed and activity can lead to success, but being busy does not always equal accomplishment. This recent article discusses the rabbit hole of the busyness badge of honor.
I am amazed at how one can really slow down and accomplish more. I am also amazed at how many people keep going and going and going without achieving their desires in life. But they seem to hope that they do more of the same but get different results.
Stop. Slow down. Unplug. Rest. Relax.
While we could list many benefits to living a life of rest and relaxation and peace there are at least 3 big benefits to learning how to stop and be still:
Rest Your Brain
Statistics and experts say that as humans we typically use less than 10% of our brain capacity. And even the 10% is spent performing repetitive tasks. I have no idea how we can tap into the 90% that we leave dormant, but I do know that many people need to practice letting the 10% of their brain in use be still at times. Shut off all the noise that surrounds you - TV, social media, other people. Prayer, meditation, yoga or just sitting with your eyes closed will allow your brain and your thoughts to rest and rejuvenate. A calm and rested brain becomes a conduit for wisdom and creativity. And everyone can use more wisdom.
Rest Your Body
It is possible to push our bodies to limits beyond anything we can imagine. Super athletes and adventurers provide examples of extreme endurance all the time. When I was younger and working in a full time corporate position and starting my own business and starting a family, I would boast about how little sleep I would get. I ran on adrenaline and fooled myself into thinking I was superhuman, but being busy does not equal creative energy. Time has shown me that I can get more done and be more creative when I have a rested brain and rested body. Listen to your body. Exercise and be active but don’t let exercise become a drug. Give your body rest when it needs rest and it will provide the energy jolt when you really need it.
Clarity
This may be the most important benefit of resting. People in general do not want to be alone. Being around others and surrounding themselves with stimulation keeps people from thinking and being “alone with their thoughts”. Thinking in our “wired” society seems to be a scarce commodity. It is rare for someone to sit in silence and think. And listening seems to be a lost art or skill in today's loud and noisy world. I cannot prove this, but I do not think God will interrupt us with Divine thoughts if we are constantly chattering, running around from one task to another or surrounded by noise. I need clarity in my life and I believe if most people are honest with themselves they need some clear answers to both big and small questions. Be still, rest, listen and let God grant you crystal clear clarity.
We live in a society that can force people to move at a very fast pace. And it is easy to get on the treadmill of life and fool ourselves into thinking that faster and faster means more and more productive.
It is true that speed and activity can lead to success, but being busy does not always equal accomplishment. This recent article discusses the rabbit hole of the busyness badge of honor.
I am amazed at how one can really slow down and accomplish more. I am also amazed at how many people keep going and going and going without achieving their desires in life. But they seem to hope that they do more of the same but get different results.
Stop. Slow down. Unplug. Rest. Relax.
While we could list many benefits to living a life of rest and relaxation and peace there are at least 3 big benefits to learning how to stop and be still:
Rest Your Brain
Statistics and experts say that as humans we typically use less than 10% of our brain capacity. And even the 10% is spent performing repetitive tasks. I have no idea how we can tap into the 90% that we leave dormant, but I do know that many people need to practice letting the 10% of their brain in use be still at times. Shut off all the noise that surrounds you - TV, social media, other people. Prayer, meditation, yoga or just sitting with your eyes closed will allow your brain and your thoughts to rest and rejuvenate. A calm and rested brain becomes a conduit for wisdom and creativity. And everyone can use more wisdom.
Rest Your Body
It is possible to push our bodies to limits beyond anything we can imagine. Super athletes and adventurers provide examples of extreme endurance all the time. When I was younger and working in a full time corporate position and starting my own business and starting a family, I would boast about how little sleep I would get. I ran on adrenaline and fooled myself into thinking I was superhuman, but being busy does not equal creative energy. Time has shown me that I can get more done and be more creative when I have a rested brain and rested body. Listen to your body. Exercise and be active but don’t let exercise become a drug. Give your body rest when it needs rest and it will provide the energy jolt when you really need it.
Clarity
This may be the most important benefit of resting. People in general do not want to be alone. Being around others and surrounding themselves with stimulation keeps people from thinking and being “alone with their thoughts”. Thinking in our “wired” society seems to be a scarce commodity. It is rare for someone to sit in silence and think. And listening seems to be a lost art or skill in today's loud and noisy world. I cannot prove this, but I do not think God will interrupt us with Divine thoughts if we are constantly chattering, running around from one task to another or surrounded by noise. I need clarity in my life and I believe if most people are honest with themselves they need some clear answers to both big and small questions. Be still, rest, listen and let God grant you crystal clear clarity.
Tim Winders has over 25 years experience as a business owner, entrepreneur, coach and consultant. He specializes in helping businesses, organizations and individuals grow and expand. If it is time for you or your business to get unstuck and experience increase, CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE Growth Assessment and Strategy Call with Tim.
