In the last article we talked about how loss of focus can be a critical distraction from success.  But it is important to distinguish a resting period from loss of focus.  An occasional rest does not mean that you are losing focus.  In fact, taking a break once in while is an important element of success achievement.  What is important to understand is that a resting period is a planned period of inactivity or rest from your goal achievement effort.  This is much different than loss of focus, which is in unplanned and catches you by surprise.

Even the great achievers in difference facets of life plan for a period of rest.  The world’s greatest athletes understand the importance of the off period to let the body rest in order for the muscles to recover and maintain a healthy state.  The same concept applies to mental activities.  Whether you are a business person, an artist, or a professional that uses your intellectual capacity as the main thrust behind your success, an occasional break where you can get away from your day-to-day worries will help restore the “brain muscles” that you count on everyday.

Besides the physical benefits that come from a period of rest, taking a break from your current set of activities has additional psychological side benefits.  One of the most important side benefits is the new perspective often gained by stepping aside and recalibrating your thoughts.  In your search for success you will likely be deeply engaged in detailed activities that often keep you from reflecting upon the big picture.  A period of rest is an excellent opportunity to clear your mind of the day-to-day distractions so that it can focus on what is really important. 

During this period of inactivity it is helpful to engage is activities that you not only enjoy, but also exposes you to experiences and concepts that are not familiar to you.  For instance, during your break, try a new activity that you have always wanted to do but never had the time.  It could be something as wild as sky diving, or as simple as visiting a museum in town that you haven’t been to in a long time.  Going to another country is an excellent way to get exposure to different ways of doing things that will certainly stimulate your brain cells.

You may also find that getting exposure to something not related to your field my open the doors to new opportunities in the field that you are in.  It is not uncommon to find answers to difficult issues or questions in a totally unrelated area.  The brain sometimes has mysterious ways of arriving at answers.  Opening a new pathway in the intricate network of brain cell connections may be just what you need to achieve the next level of success.

Since we believe in walking the talk, we are going to follow our own advice and take a break for about 3 weeks.  During this period of inactivity on the site, we hope that new inspirational ideas will brew so that we can continue to share with you fresh content that you can use in your success journey.

Talk to you again soon.