Rest: the new 'busy'

The start of a new year is a time of hope and fresh beginnings. It’s when many of us reflect on what we achieved in the past year, the lessons we learned, and the ways we grew. But as we set ambitious goals and dive headfirst into 2025, I want to pause and highlight something just as important as productivity: the power of rest.

In our fast-paced world, busy-ness has become a badge of honor. We equate packed calendars and back-to-back meetings with importance and success. Being constantly “on” can feel validating, but it comes at a cost - one that impacts our effectiveness, mental well-being, and ability to lead with empathy.

This year, as you envision your goals and priorities, I encourage you to also put rest on the agenda.

Taking back control

We’ve grown accustomed to being accessible 24/7, to measuring our worth by how busy we are. But we must ask: Is this sustainable? Are we truly at our best when we’re running on empty?

Research shows otherwise:

• Employees who take regular breaks are 50% more focused and report 46% higher job satisfaction, according to Harvard Business Review.
• Leaders who prioritize rest demonstrate higher levels of empathy and emotional intelligence, qualities that are vital for effective leadership.

Rest doesn’t detract from productivity - it fuels it. It enhances clarity, creativity, and decision-making, making us more impactful and present.

Sharpening the axe

There’s an old story about two woodcutters. Both begin their day with the same task: chopping wood. One works tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, never pausing. The other disappears periodically throughout the day, much to the confusion of the first.

At the end of the day, the first woodcutter is exhausted and puzzled to find the other’s pile of wood is much larger. Curious, he asks, “How is it possible? I worked harder and longer than you. Where do you keep disappearing to?”

The second woodcutter smiles and replies, “I go home to sharpen my axe.”

I like this story because it illustrates an important point: Rest is not a distraction; it’s preparation. Without it, we risk dulling our tools - our energy, focus, and creativity.

Redefining leadership

As leaders, we must model what balance looks like. Being well-rested isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a deliberate choice to lead with impact. To be empathetic, present, and accessible to our teams, we need to prioritize our well-being first.

How present can we truly be for our people if we’re always rushing? How can we inspire others if we’re too depleted to be inspired ourselves?

A call for 2025

As we step into 2025, let’s commit to supporting each other in finding better balance. Work-life balance isn’t something we achieve alone - it requires a collective effort to hold one another accountable, to model healthy boundaries, and to recognize that we are all at our best when we are rested and recharged.

I want to thank my team and colleagues for the care and support they have shown me and each other. It’s through these moments of empathy and understanding that we build cultures where balance is not just encouraged but celebrated.

This year, let’s each play our part in modeling work-life balance for one another. Let’s lead by example, celebrate rest as much as we celebrate success, and create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to sharpen their axes.

Here’s to a year of clarity, strength, and collective support in making rest the new ‘busy.’