Relaxing is a Waste of Time

Elon Musk sits down to a late-night game of Diablo, an online game. When asked why, he gives a really interesting answer. And it's not because he thinks it'll change the world.

Too Much Stimulation

In today's demanding world, we have so much coming at us that our brains aren't designed to handle this constant influx of new information, images, and stimuli. Just think about it: a walk down a busy city street can bombard us with sights, sounds, and smells that our minds struggle to process, sometimes even degrading scenes of humanity that a normal emotionally open person would cry about (homeless people).

Stakes Raised

For many entrepreneurs, the pressure is even greater. There's the constant uncertainty about the future, the ambiguity that comes with running a startup, and the weight of expectations—both from ourselves and from others. In this high-stakes environment, we often keep pushing forward, striving for the next big breakthrough, the next big deal.

Neglect

But here's the kicker: amidst all this relentless ambition, we often neglect the importance of restoration. We view relaxation as a luxury, something to consider only after we’ve “made it” or once the work is done. Even when we do carve out some time for ourselves, we pressure ourselves to make it count—often opting for partying or other activities that can leave us feeling more drained than before.

Pushing The Limits Successfully

It’s all too easy to end up needing a vacation from our “time off.” The reality is that many successful people—whether in the public eye or behind the scenes—know the value of taking a step back. They make time to decompress because they understand that pushing themselves past the limit can lead to burnout.

Pushing Yourself At the Limit, Doesn't Lead to Burnout

When Elon was asked why he plays Diablo online, he simply said, “I need to decompress.”

If you're interested in long-term success (and who isn't?), you have to manage your energy just as carefully as you manage your time. Remember, even the titans of industry like Elon Musk find value in downtime. His late-night gaming sessions aren’t just a hobby; they’re a crucial part of his self-care routine.

Takeaway Insight:

As you navigate your entrepreneurial journey, consider your own approach to relaxation. Are you prioritizing restoration, or are you pushing yourself to the brink? (Aka you will fail.) This week, reflect on how you can incorporate more downtime into your routine, and remember: taking time to relax is not just okay—it’s essential for sustainable success.

Stay curious, and here's to leveling up your leadership!

Leadership isn't born, it's honed.

If you're a driven leader looking to transform your leadership and propel your company to new heights, reach out (reply here)! Would love to learn more about your current challenges and how I could potentially help.

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