Stop. Rest. Thrive.
The case for slowing down.
Today, I’m re-entering the “real world” after two weeks away — the longest vacation I’ve ever taken, and my first time truly unplugging since November 2022.
This break wasn’t just about getting away from work. It was a complete reset, a much-needed sabbatical my mind, body and spirit demanded.
For the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve been grinding non-stop: juggling my day job, publishing Money Talks, starting a family, house hunting and diving into the stock market. Add in daily commitments to personal development, physical fitness and fatherhood, and it’s been constant motion, all while weathering one financial gut punch after another.
I’m built to persevere, but I’m still one person. Even the strongest foundations can crack under too much weight.
It’s hard to admit, but I was overwhelmed, mentally, physically and emotionally drained. Stuck in a cycle where I was too exhausted to be effective, yet too committed to stop.
This time away gave me clarity I didn’t even realize I needed.
I learned how powerful it is to disconnect. To do nothing. To rest not as a reward, but as a responsibility.
In my 20s, I didn’t believe in taking vacations. I worked through weekends, holidays and sleepless nights with pride. No matter how much I do to declutter my world, life is more complex now. Responsibilities have grown. And I’ve finally realized I can’t function the way I used to.
During my time off, I took Parker on a magical daddy-daughter trip to Disney World. I filed my taxes. I finalized summer plans and a surprise for the girls. And I finally finished “Master Your Time Master Your Life” by Brian Tracy, which I first mentioned in March.
As fate would have it, the final weekend of my vacation brought me to Chapter 9: “Rest and Relaxation Time.”
Tracy doesn’t just encourage rest, he makes the case that it’s essential for success.
“Your company has hired your brain and what you can do with that brain,” he writes. “Your job, your responsibility, is to ensure that you bring a rested, refreshed, alert, and sharp brain to work to focus on getting the results that are required of you.”
He lays out five simple but powerful commitments to help us regularly build rest into our lives.
💸 Take one full day off each week. No emails. No calls. No guilt. Just space to breathe and be.
💸 Take a three-day vacation every couple of months. A change of scenery — whether it’s a quick trip or a staycation — can reset your system.
💸 Take two, three or four weeks of vacation each year. The world won’t fall apart when you rest. But you’ll come back better.
💸 Plan all vacations for the year in January. Schedule rest like you schedule work. And if you can, pre-pay for trips so you don’t back out.
💸 Promise your people you’ll be present. When you make a commitment to your spouse, kids, family or friends, you’re far more likely to follow through.
I plan to incorporate all five. Not just for me but for my family, my work and the future I’m building.
So as I log back in today, I’m not just “getting back to work.” I’m returning with intention and a new vow.
To stop.
To rest.
To thrive.
Intentionally. Regularly. And without guilt.
Transform your time
Fifteen minutes into the quiet hour on Monday, I sank into deep thought about the invaluable essence of time.
Sorry! Seems like a negative hereditary trait passed on to you! This column tells my life story. My several attempts to reset have failed me, even at the gentle age of 77!
Do better than those who came before you for those who are coming after you! They deserve it! You deserve it!!
The grind and the rest are equally important. Pun intended. I’m happy that you are learning how and when to best help yourself with the balance of it all. Great job!