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As a mindset and business coach, I’ve noticed a common thread among high-achieving entrepreneurs: we often struggle to embrace rest. In this powerful episode, I sat down with Sarah Rutten, an Amazon bestselling author and canine behavior specialist, to explore the delicate balance between hustle and pause.
When Success Meets Resistance
Sarah’s journey is a testament to resilience. After battling severe health issues, including mold illness that forced her to close her business, she emerged stronger and went on to write an Amazon bestselling book in just six months. Yet, even with these remarkable achievements, she found herself wrestling with a familiar challenge – the ability to truly receive and rest.
The Cultural Programming Against Rest
What struck me most during our conversation was how deeply ingrained our resistance to rest can be. Sarah shared her upbringing with a Dutch father who emphasized efficiency and a mother who was always multitasking – even during “downtime.” This programming made it particularly challenging for her to embrace periods of rest without feeling guilty or unproductive.
Breaking the Burnout Cycle
One of the most profound realizations from our discussion was Sarah’s recognition of her pattern: hustle, burnout, recover, repeat. It’s a cycle I’ve seen countless times in my coaching practice, and one that many entrepreneurs can relate to. The truth is, this pattern isn’t sustainable, nor is it necessary for success.
The Power of Intentional Rest
Together, we worked through creating a sustainable approach to rest. Instead of viewing it as “time off,” we reframed it as “nervous system reset” – language that resonated more deeply with Sarah’s need for restoration. This wasn’t just about taking breaks; it was about strategic recovery that would ultimately fuel creativity and business growth.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
- Rest isn’t just an indulgence – it’s a business strategy
- The language we use around rest matters
- Scheduling rest with the same commitment as work meetings is crucial
- Having accountability can help maintain boundaries around rest time
- True success includes the ability to pause and receive
Moving Forward
What I love about coaching conversations like this is how they reveal the universal struggles we all face. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or anyone striving for success, the ability to rest and receive is crucial for sustainable growth.
As Sarah plans to implement her Wednesday afternoon nervous system reset, I’m reminded that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do for our business is absolutely nothing. In those moments of pause, we create space for creativity, innovation, and the very success we’re working so hard to achieve.
Remember, you don’t have to earn rest – it’s a fundamental need, just like sleep. And just as we don’t question our need for sleep, we shouldn’t question our need for intentional rest during our waking hours.
Your Turn to Rest
I encourage you to reflect on your own relationship with rest. Are you giving yourself permission to truly pause? Could you benefit from scheduling regular “nervous system reset” time? Remember, the most successful people aren’t just good at working hard – they’re also skilled at strategic rest.
As I told Sarah, and as I’ll tell you: You can have it all, but not through constant hustle. True success comes from finding your unique rhythm of effort and ease, push and pause, doing and being.
The next time you feel resistance to taking a break, remember Sarah’s story. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing at all.
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