Everything in our modern society is about creating more and more busyness, noise, and distraction. This, combined with the achievement-driven culture we live in, leads us to feel forever driven to work or fill every waking moment of our lives with something that will either further our career or position or give us the greatest happiness or pleasure possible in the moment. 

There is a weird sense of pride and accomplishment in sharing how much you worked, almost as if we’re back in school and our grade is directly derived from the hours we spent working. And, because this is so ingrained in our culture, we often feel guilty for any periods of rest, relaxation, or enjoyment. 

For most, if not all, of us in the Breakfast With Champions community, our schedules are very abnormal and don’t adhere to the typical 9-5, Monday through Friday structure. This can make taking time for a Sabbath (rest) even more challenging, and it can feel like the deck is often stacked against you. But it’s also all the more reason why you need to take that time. The Sabbath is important because it forces us to slow down and reflect. And the busier your lifestyle is, the more you need time for reflection. 

Pausing to reflect on your relationships with others, your work, your purpose, and your well-being is imperative. It can help you make healthier decisions, produce creative ideas, and bring self-awareness that will improve your quality of life and your relationships. 

It’s counter-cultural to keep an open calendar and to say no to new opportunities without having an excuse. But keeping your schedule open may be the only way to achieve true rest. That includes moments and spaces where you feel “bored” or “unproductive.” But boredom is good for your brain. The “Default Mode Network” is a part of your brain that becomes more active when you’re at rest. It’s associated with creativity, memory, and identity – and it’s the key to feeling refreshed. 

There is a difference between just taking a day off and keeping the Sabbath. The Sabbath is all about remembering, renewing, and realigning. Rest is a discipline, and if you practice it, you will come out on the other side refreshed, encouraged, refueled, and ready to go full speed ahead in your mission.

Key Points/Highlights: 

• Use the Sabbath as a reset to regain clarity and refocus on your mission.
• When you take your attention off of something for a bit, your attention goes back to it in a new way.
• Reflect on what has been working for you and what hasn’t been working for you. 
• You can’t build the plane while you’re flying it.
• How do you know what you’re going to do next if you don’t stop and readjust your focus?