Today was amazing. I didn’t do anything that got me closer to my goals.

Except just that. I did nothing—to get closer to my goals. 

Sometimes I used to work twelve hours a day or more. By “work,” I mean setting aside time to get things done and not getting things done.  

I had a process. I planned to do something, spent the entire day working up to getting it done, ultimately didn’t get it done, and finished with self-hate. 

“I absolutely had time to do this. Why didn’t I get this done?”

The answer turned out simple. 

I was burnt out. 

I learned there isn’t a connection between the time you set aside for work and actual value you create. What matters is working consciously. 

Working too much burns you out. If you’re “working” but not actually making anything happen, you still get burnt out—but without positive results.

I didn’t do anything today because I realized how important conscious down time is.

The key word in that sentence is conscious.

If you plan to get things done tomorrow and don’t get things done, it’ll suck. 

But if you choose consciously to take a day and allow your mind to recharge, the next day will be even better. In fact, today will be amazing too—because when you make the decision to rest and successfully do so, you’ll have accomplished your goals for the day! 

Letting your mind rest is so important.

I stand by this immensely. However, I don’t advocate for slothfulness or using this as an excuse to not build your life. Only rest when it feels right (not just pleasurable, but when you can tell it’s creating value in your life).

I’m aiming at one day per week of pure down time and the results are fantastic. 

Try it.