Why YOU, from a performance perspective, should be ambitious about having a relaxing summer

Summer is here, and that calls for relaxation, and here is why you should be ambitious about relaxation, especially if you are ambitious about your performance.

Having the pleasure of coaching founders and high achievers in general, one thing that we keep getting back to and struggling with is relaxation and the importance of being ambitious with relaxation when doing high-performance work.

In the following post, I will share some of the essential aspects of relaxation, hoping to inspire you to have a truly relaxing summer and, thereby, increase your performance. And, the underlying reason for my writing is for me to take it in, as this is a subject that I am struggling with.

Being ambitious on performance = ambitious on relaxation

It’s no secret; I am a big fan of high performance and a bit of a nerd on the subject. When that is said, I experience many organisations have misunderstood the term, especially regarding relaxation and recovery. So let's start by setting one thing clear, no one can do high performance all the time. Being ambitious on performance = ambitious on relaxation.

The outdated way of thinking about performance is represented in sayings such as:? “maximum effort = maximum results”, “No pain, no gain”, “no guts, no glory”, “give it 110%”, and “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”?

Instead, give it 85% of what you got.

We should stop saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, and instead say, “What doesn’t kill you fucks you up mentally” and instead of “Give it 110%”, ask people to “Give it 85%”.

Giving it 85% is actually a more realistic longtime sustainable performance level. Performing at 100% can only be done at very short intervals (if at all) and requires quite a bit of recovery afterwards - the top 15% are “expensive” to achieve from an overall performance perspective. More on that in this HBR article .

Recovery is one of the essential aspects of high performance?

Recovery allows the body and mind to rest and restore after intense activity or training. Here are several important reasons why recovery is essential for high performance:

1. Repair and Adaptation: During intense activity, we experience various forms of stress. Adequate recovery time allows the body and mind to repair these damages and adapt to the stress, improving performance over time. It is, for instance, during recovery that muscle tissues rebuild and strengthen, energy stores replenish, and we adapt to the stimulus.
2. Injury Prevention: High performance combined with insufficient recovery time can lead to fatigue. Proper recovery helps reduce the risk of injuries by allowing the body and mind to heal and restore balance.
3. Performance Optimization: It is not just about training hard; it's also about training smart. Incorporating recovery periods helps maintain a balance between performance stress and recovery. It prevents burnout and allows us to perform at our peak when it matters the most. When well-rested, we have better focus, concentration, and physical readiness, leading to enhanced performance and improved results.
4. Restoration of Energy and Motivation: Recovery allows for the replenishment of glycogen stores, restoration of energy levels, and rejuvenation of mental focus. It helps us regain our motivation and enthusiasm, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting long-term performance.
5. Psychological Well-being: When we face immense pressure and stress, adequate recovery time allows relaxation, stress reduction, and mental rejuvenation. It allows us to recharge mentally, enhance their well-being, and maintain a positive mindset.

To optimize recovery, we can employ various strategies, such as proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, active rest, stretching, massage, and stress management techniques. Additionally, monitoring working loads, listening to the body, and working closely with coaches can help tailor recovery strategies to individual needs.

In conclusion - Have a lovely summer!

Grab a nap if I haven’t already put you to sleep with this piece, and do make sure that you have a truly relaxing summer as it facilitates repair, adaptation, injury prevention, performance optimisation, energy restoration, motivation, and psychological well-being. By prioritising recovery alongside performance, we can achieve sustainable success and maintain physical and mental health.