The Hidden Cost of Skipping Breaks: Why High Achievers Need to Pause
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Breaks: Why High Achievers Need to Pause
Hi, it’s Clive. This post is written for highly ambitious achievers committed to exceptional performance. Let's exchange what's predictable for what's possible.
Post 18 for a 30 day writing challenge and feels like I am truly back in the saddle now.
You're an ambitious high achiever, aren't you?
Long hours, intense focus - that's what drives you. You thrive on pushing yourself to new productivity heights. But here's a thought that might give you pause: what if that non-stop work ethic is actually undermining your success?
The Myth of Constant Productivity
We've all bought into it. More hours = more output.
We wear our packed schedules like battle scars. We’re proud of powering through breaks. But let's be honest for a moment: our brains simply aren't wired for constant, uninterrupted work.
Yet, think of your cognitive resources as a battery. They drain over time.
Skip those breaks, and you'll see your focus plummet, creativity wane, and decision-making suffer. It's akin to attempting a marathon at a sprinter's pace - you're headed for an inevitable crash.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Taking breaks can actually boost your productivity significantly. Short, frequent breaks are your productivity amplifier:
1. Mental energy refresh
2. Creative problem-solving enhancement
3. Improved focus and concentration
4. Stress reduction and burnout prevention
How to implement Effective Breaks
Let's get practical. You need intentional, rejuvenating breaks.
Consider this approach: the Pomodoro Technique. 25 minutes of work, 5-minute break. Every fourth break, extend it to 15-30 minutes.
This is my favourite timer!
And, here's how this worked for one of my clients:
I worked with a CMO who had always prided herself on her 14-hour workdays. It was badge of honour to power through without breaks. Her team had been in awe of her stamina, but some cracks were starting to show.
During a Sparring Partner session, she confided her struggles with decision-making and creative problem-solving.
Her productivity was actually declining, despite the long hours.
So, we implemented a structured break system, based on regular Pomodoro sessions throughout her day. The results were dramatic. Within a month, she reported:
Better quality decisions, with fewer errors and revisions needed
Improved relationships with her team (she was less irritable)
A shift in her capacity for creative problem-solving
But the best thing, she was now leaving the office by 6 pm most days, feeling more accomplished than ever.
Her experience isn't unique. I've seen this pattern repeat with countless high achievers. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the path to peak performance isn't about doing more - it's about strategically doing less.
What to Do During the Breaks
Your break time is precious - use it wisely. Here are some high-impact activities to try:
Physical reset: Stand up and do a quick stretch routine. Touch your toes, roll your shoulders, or do some desk push-ups. Get that blood flowing.
Mental refresh: Try a 2-minute mindfulness exercise. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and let your thoughts drift by like clouds.
Hydrate and nourish: Grab a glass of water and a healthy snack. Your brain needs fuel to function at its best.
Change your environment: Step outside for some fresh air, or simply move to a different room. A change of scenery can spark new ideas.
Quick connection: Send a message to a friend or loved one. Social interactions, even brief ones, can boost your mood and productivity.
Remember - the key is to fully disconnect from work during these breaks. No sneaky email or social media checks!
The Bottom Line
High achievement isn't about working around the clock. Strategic breaks unlock new levels of focus, creativity, and productivity. So, don’t let fear of losing momentum hold you back.
Embrace the power of the pause and see what happens to your results. You can start immediately with a 30 minute Pomodoro. I’d love to hear you you get on.
🚀 Let me ask — how often do you skip taking a break, then regret it later?
I work 1:1 with highly ambitious achievers on their Elite Performance Agenda to deliver unreasonably high results. That includes: mindset and behaviour change, leading others in high-stakes situations, and influencing decisions with integrity.
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