Not too long ago, I discovered something new that completely altered my perspective on time management and productivity. For years, I believed that putting in more hours and working harder was the only way to be productive. I took satisfaction in staying up late, working hard, and persevering through fatigue because I believed that was the “correct” way to be productive. I assumed it was the recipe for success since I observed others doing the same thing, particularly in professional or educational settings. But after reading Alex Pang’s book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, I came to believe that being productive involves more than just working more; it also involves understanding when to take breaks and refuel. Pang underlined the importance of relaxation and downtime for problem-solving, creativity, and general productivity. I had always believed that taking breaks or having leisure time was a waste of time, so this opened my eyes. According to the book, burnout actually results in decreased effectiveness over time since our brains require time to process information and build connections. Pang’s studies and examples of how leading scientists, leaders, and inventors made leisure a priority in their daily routines were more persuasive than the argument for rest alone. People like Leonardo da Vinci and Bill Gates, for example, would purposefully take time off to think and recharge, which eventually increased their creativity and productivity. This made me reevaluate my long-held conviction that hustle was the only path to success.

My time management has significantly changed as a result of this new viewpoint. I now take care of myself, plan frequent breaks, and don’t feel bad about taking a break. I’ve discovered that giving myself permission to take a break from work increases my energy, creativity, and attention. It also taught me how important it is to maintain balance in all facets of life, not just to get things done but also to take care of my body and mind.

It was humbling to acknowledge that I was mistaken about my prior productivity strategy, but it also helped me to see that being receptive to new ideas and willing to modify one’s mind is a sign of progress. Sometimes being mistaken is the first step; it’s not always about being “right.”