The Season of Rest: Why We, Like Trees, Need Our Own Winter Dormancy

A key to my productivity is rest. Might be helpful for you too!

There's a certain allure to autumn. Leaves turn to rich hues of gold and crimson, gradually falling from trees to carpet the earth. It's as if the world, in all its technicolor glory, gives a final bow before plunging into a season of rest. As winter takes hold, trees go dormant, a survival tactic to preserve their lifeblood. In a world that often demands relentless productivity, this innate wisdom of nature offers a valuable lesson. Could it be that we too require our own seasons of rest and rejuvenation?

When winter looms, deciduous trees draw their sap back into the core, shedding leaves to reduce water loss and entering a period of dormancy. During this time, they are conserving energy and resources, preparing for the burst of life that comes with spring. This isn't idleness—it's an essential part of their life cycle. Like trees, we can't be perpetually in a state of growth and output. There's wisdom in understanding the need to pull back, to restore, to prepare for what's next.

Think about it: how often do we equate productivity with worth? How often do we wear busyness as a badge of honor, as if the more overwhelmed we are, the more valuable we must be? We pride ourselves on juggling multiple tasks, chasing deadlines, and hustling from one meeting to the next. But at what cost?

Our bodies and minds are not designed for endless output; we have our own rhythms, our internal cycles that demand attention. When we neglect them, we run the risk of burnout, mental fatigue, and even long-term health repercussions. It's alarming how we have normalized a culture of overwork and neglected the value of rest.

In sales, for instance, the drive to meet targets and close deals can be all-consuming. It's a game of numbers, after all, and taking a break might feel like an act of self-sabotage. But just as a dormant tree is not a dead tree, a resting individual is not an unproductive one. In fact, I'd argue that a well-rested person is more likely to be innovative, energized, and effective. Those moments of pause can be the crucible for groundbreaking ideas and rejuvenated spirit. You can't sell effectively if you're running on empty, nor can you lead, speak, or engage in meaningful relationships.

Some may think that the idea of "downtime" is a luxury they can't afford. Let's challenge that thought. Budgeting time for rest is not just some lofty ideal; it's a necessity for long-term success and well-being. The Greeks had a term for this balance: "Eudaimonia," often translated as "flourishing" or "the good life." It encompasses not just happiness, but also virtue, wisdom, and deep satisfaction. In political discourse, much emphasis is placed on economic growth, infrastructure, and strategy, but what about the growth of our collective well-being? Isn't it time we factor that into our equations for success?

For those like me who love absorbing new knowledge from non-fiction books, how incredible is it to turn those pages and realize that every revolutionary idea or change started with a pause—a moment to think, ponder, and rest? The narrative of history itself teaches us that behind every impactful decision or invention was a season of reflection.

Now I admit, this hasn’t always been in my personal equation for success. I used to joke about “sleeping when I was dead.” Now that I’m older, more seasoned and more seasons behind me than ahead of me, I realize that slowing down and flourishing helps me live each day, each week, each season, far more fully!!

Whether you're a fan of Ted Lasso's heartfelt wisdom, absorbed in the tactical intricacies of a Jack Ryan thriller, or engrossed in the political machinations of shows like "Designated Survivor," you'll notice a common thread. The most compelling characters always have moments of introspection. They pause, reflect, and come back stronger. They respect their own "winters," understanding the intrinsic need to pull back, reassess, and rejuvenate.

So, as we navigate our own seasons—be they filled with sales targets, leadership challenges, or personal endeavors—let's not overlook the importance of dormancy. Embrace your own winter season, however that may look. Could be a weekend getaway, a sabbatical, or simply designating "me-time" in a busy week. It’s not just a break; it's a life strategy.

And while I may not be driving my dream lava orange Porsche just yet, I know that the road to achieving such goals is punctuated with necessary rest stops. After all, the most magnificent trees didn't grow tall and robust by sheer force of will. They thrived by honoring their cycles, respecting their limits, and understanding that after the winter comes a glorious spring. And so it shall be for us.