2025 Success Starts with Rest: Unlock Your Best Year Yet

It’s the end of the year, and I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. After speaking with many leaders, I’ve found a common theme: fatigue, especially among those who haven’t taken enough time off. Instead of sprinting to the finish line, many of us feel like we’re limping through the final stretch, running on fumes.

The reality is clear: rest fuels performance. If we want to avoid burnout and sustain success, we need to rethink how we approach time off.

The Power of Planning Ahead

I recently came across a concept in 10x is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. Dan’s strategy? Plan 150 days off a year, including weekends and public holidays. While that may seem impossible, it’s more achievable than you think—and the principle behind it is what matters most.

It starts with planning. Dan pulls out a calendar and maps out his breaks for the entire year. This intentional approach ensures that rest is prioritised, not an afterthought.

Are You Running on Empty?

Think about how you feel right now. Are you at 100%, or are your batteries drained? For many of us, the answer is obvious. The good news is, with thoughtful planning, we can change this.

Here’s a breakdown:

• 4 weeks of annual leave (20 days)
• 11-13 public holidays
• 104 weekend days

That’s already around 136 days. Add two weeks of purchased leave and a birthday off, and you’re almost at 150. And this doesn’t even include personal leave.

Why You Should Plan for 140 to 150 Days Off: The Benefits

Taking regular breaks isn’t just about feeling refreshed—it’s a performance strategy. Here’s why it works:

1. Boosts Energy and Focus Time off allows your brain to recharge, improving focus, productivity, and decision-making when you return to work.
2. Sparks Creativity Stepping away from your day-to-day tasks lets your mind wander, fostering creativity and problem-solving.
3. Prevents Burnout Consistent, planned breaks help you avoid the burnout cycle of pushing too hard and needing extended recovery.
4. Enhances Project Performance Rested teams are more efficient, innovative, and collaborative, leading to better project outcomes.

How to Plan Your Year for Maximum Impact

1.????? Start with the Big Picture:

Get a calendar and plot out the year. Identify major work projects, deadlines, and personal events. Plan your breaks around these key periods, aiming to spread them evenly.

2. Include Different Types of Breaks:

• Extended Breaks/Holidays: Plan for a few longer breaks during the year.
• Long weekends: Use public holidays or take an extra day off for a mini-break.
• Regular mental health / recharge days: Schedule short, intentional days off to recharge.

3. Align with Your Team: Encourage your team to do the same. Sit down and map out everyone’s time off to ensure coverage and prevent guilt around taking breaks.

4. Make It a Habit: Review your plan each quarter and adjust as needed. Life and work evolve, and your schedule should too.

Rejuvenation as a Business Strategy

Taking breaks isn’t about slowing down—it’s about staying at your best. When you prioritise rest, you:

• Recharge physically and mentally, building stamina for demanding projects.
• Reset your perspective, improving strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Return more engaged and motivated, lifting the entire team’s performance.

Leading by Example: The Impact on Your Business

When leaders model the importance of rest, it fosters a culture where well-being and performance coexist. Teams feel supported, innovation thrives, and projects run more smoothly.

Encourage your team to adopt this mindset. Talk openly about the importance of rest and how it enhances performance. When everyone is operating at their best, the results speak for themselves.

Make 2025 the Year of Sustainable Success

Now is the perfect time to start planning for 2025. You know how tired you are and how important rest is—so, as you spend time with family and friends, pull out your calendar and start mapping out your breaks.

Challenge yourself to plan for 140 to 150 days off next year, and encourage your team to do the same. By prioritising rest and recovery, you’ll lay the foundation for a year of sustainable, peak performance.

Remember, rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy. When you work smarter, not harder, everyone wins.

Let 2025 be the year you and your team accomplish more by doing less.