Rest: A Leadership Discipline in a Tedious Culture of "Busyness"
By Kendall Langston
I read a lot of books. Every now and then one comes along that contributes significantly routines I have been implementing for years while also adding new insights. Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang is one of those books and is well researched.
Pang’s central argument is simple but powerful: rest is not the opposite of work — it is a critical partner to high performance. His research shows that deliberate rest improves creativity, decision-making and long-term productivity. It challenges the modern obsession with constant activity and highlights how many high performers built structured rest into their routines.
That message resonated strongly with me.
For nearly twenty years, through my work as a strategist and adviser to executive leaders across New Zealand and Australia, I have been exploring what sustainable high performance actually looks like. The gap between high performers and the average can be immense!
One of the most damaging cultural habits I see is this "badge of busyness". Too many people wear being “busy” as something to aspire to. In reality it often reflects poor prioritisation and a lack of self-awareness, especially in a leadership role. Being busy comes with the territory, but if it is an excuse to ignore self, family, wellbeing, staff development and impacts decision making and performance - there is a major problem especially over time.
The irony is that New Zealand and Australia consistently sit toward the bottom of the OECD productivity rankings. Busyness clearly isn’t translating into better outcomes.
My experience points to a different approach.
Good decision making requires a clear head and the energy to think well. Rest plays a critical role in that. When leaders are rested, physically robust and mentally sharp, their energy and the quality of their thinking improves significantly.
I have also found the value of mentors and trusted advisers who help challenge and refine thinking. Many of the best ideas emerge through conversation and reflection with people who can test and shape your thinking and help you articulate it clearly.
Physical fitness and time in nature also matter more than many leaders realise. Walking, exercise and time outdoors often unlock creative thinking , reflection and help reset the mind. Unstructured time and time away from devices contributes to innovation and exploration.
Over time I have become very intentional about my routines. Early in the day, when energy levels are highest, is when I focus on the most important strategic and creative work. Working in focused bursts with deliberate breaks allows far more to be achieved than the average working pattern. That works for me and what this book encourages if for each of us to explore how it might work for them. The research shows that being intentional about rest routines can reduce busyness and a step change effectiveness.
The benefits go beyond productivity. This rhythm improves wellbeing, mental agility and resilience.
In a culture that celebrates busyness, that might sound counterintuitive.
But if the goal is sustainably better health, improved thinking, stronger leadership and improved productivity — rest is a critical part of your work.
Don't be a busy fool!