325. Leadership: The ROI of Rest: Why Breaks Make You A Better Boss

For Real: Life, Leadership, & Unlearning

If you've been feeling like you're always going, always behind, and tackling a to-do list that literally never ends, this episode is for you.

We're joined by The Planner's Vault COO Gina Johnston for a candid conversation about a lesson both Megan and Gina had to learn the hard way: the ROI of rest.

In a world that praises the hustle and a culture that makes us feel guilty for slowing down, Megan and Gina unpack why taking breaks isn't a luxury - it's a leadership strategy. They get real about what it's like to run on fumes, the toll that decision fatigue takes on high achievers, and how to build in more margin without losing momentum.

This is a much-needed reframe, offering powerful insights and actionable takeaways to help you reset your nervous system, protect your energy, and come back to your business and life as a better, more present leader.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The profound impact of decision fatigue on your brain and body.
• Why "doing it all" and being constantly busy can actually limit your business's growth.
• The emotional toll of always being "on" and how it leads to burnout, resentment, and a depleted mental state.
• The importance of a pattern interrupt to break out of unhealthy habits and cycles.
• The surprising way your "hustle culture" can put pressure on your team and lead to their own burnout.
• A simple litmus test to know when you are in a low-battery state and in need of rest.
• The ROI (return on investment) of rest and why your next big idea won't show up in survival mode.
• Practical, bite-sized strategies for rest, like creating a Monday and Friday "buffer," and the power of getting out of your "natural habitat."

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:08:00 – The stat on daily decisions and the profound impact of "decision fatigue."
• 00:10:00 – How we use our phones to avoid rest and the cycle of doom-scrolling.
• 00:12:00 – The consequences of making big decisions when running on fumes.
• 00:15:00 – The human, shared experience of feeling stuck in "quicksand."
• 00:22:00 – The truth about why we're so anxious and depressed in today's fast-paced world.
• 00:26:00 – The "low battery mode" litmus test for knowing when to rest.
• 00:28:00 – How an intentional weekend away was the catalyst for Megan's second business.
• 00:30:00 – The power of a pattern interrupt and getting out of your normal environment.
• 00:32:00 – Modeling healthy boundaries for your team.
• 00:37:00 – Practical, rapid-fire examples of rest for different types of people.
• 00:41:00 – The challenge for you this week: finding a way to take an intentional break.

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

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Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

The Next Chapter VIP Experience: January 12, 2025 in Cary NC - https://www.megangillikin.com/2026-next-chapter-vip-experience