I’m working on a project right now that I *really* want to grow and be successful, so I feel like I should be working hard on it all the time.

But sometimes I want to rest.

Or take a break.

But then I think, “In order to succeed I need to work harder and longer,” and I keep going.

Good idea, right?

Nope. Not according to these articles (bold added):

• “the brain’s attentional resources drop after a long period of focusing on a single task, decreasing our focus and hindering performance.”
  ~ You’ve Been Taking Breaks All Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right, Huffington Post

•  “the truth about productivity for the rest of us is that more hours doesn’t mean better work. Rather, like a runner starting to flag after a few miles, our ability to perform tasks has diminishing returns over time.”
  ~  A Formula for Perfect Productivity: Work for 52 Minutes, Break for 17, The Atlantic

• “A growing body of evidence shows that taking regular breaks from mental tasks improves productivity and creativity — and that skipping breaks can lead to stress and exhaustion.”
  ~ To Stay on Schedule, Take a Break, The New York Times

So, I’m going to start working like a tree. Did you know that trees don’t grow throughout the year?

They have periods of growth and periods of rest.

And look how awesome they turn out!

If you’re pushing yourself harder and harder to achieve your big vision for your work in the world, stop. Take a lesson from a tree.

Grow a little and rest.

Grow a little and rest.

Grow a little and rest.

Photos by me