The Power of Taking a Break: Finding Purpose through Doing Nothing

Are you someone who’s constantly working to achieve financial freedom, status, and recognition? Have you ever stopped to consider the toll that working long hours can take on your mental and physical well-being? In this post, we’ll explore how taking a break and doing nothing can be a powerful tool in finding purpose and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The Beginning of My Journey

As an individual who has always been striving to find ways to make or save an extra dollar, I found myself working long hours to get closer to financial freedom. For over a decade, I held onto the mantra “work hard, play hard” as I pushed myself to get noticed by my employer, resulting in numerous promotions and raises. However, my priorities shifted after a failed business attempt in 2010 and a hernia surgery in 2011, which forced me to slow down and take a hard look at my life.

The Importance of Taking a Break

At first, the prospect of being unemployed, overweight (over 200 pounds!), and in physical discomfort due to a hernia surgery did not bode well for my future prospects. However, after reading “The One Thing You Must Do the Moment You Quit or Get Fired,” I decided to take on the challenge of doing absolutely nothing. I spent my days reflecting on my personal and professional goals, which led to a paradigm shift in my mental state.

The Power of Doing Nothing

By doing nothing, the first thing that became evident was my burning desire to become healthy and fit. During this period of reflection, I realized that my priorities needed to shift from financial gain to personal health and wellness. I began studying the stories of people who had undergone similar transformations, which eventually led to a change in my mindset and a commitment to put my health first.

Through consistent effort and discipline, I managed to quit smoking (something I had tried to accomplish for over eight years and never managed to do), and I started the long road to mental and physical recovery. One mile walks turned to two mile walks, and before I knew it, I was running a marathon. Now, over three years later, I feel great and am in the best mental and physical condition of my life.

The Benefits of Taking a Break

Taking a break and doing nothing allowed me to reassess my priorities, focus on my health, and ultimately achieve a more fulfilling life. During this period of reflection, I was able to let go of the need for financial gain and instead focus on the importance of good health. I also gained a greater understanding of how I personally handled failure and the importance of self-care.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of taking a break and doing nothing. In a society that often places a high value on productivity, it can be difficult to justify taking a break. However, taking a break can be a powerful tool in finding purpose and achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life. By allowing yourself to take a step back and reflect on your personal and professional goals, you can gain a greater understanding of your priorities and work towards achieving a more balanced life.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break and do nothing. Use this time to reflect on your goals and priorities, and focus on your health and well-being. Remember, taking a break doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. It simply means taking a step back to reassess and focus on what’s truly important.