Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less
Book Author: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Being busy is now often equated with being productive and successful, even becoming a status symbol. But in reality, it’s more likely a symptom of distress that someone is missing an essential element in their life: rest.
"Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang emerges as a much needed counter-narrative to modern day hustle culture, which is both unhealthy and, ironically, unproductive. This insightful book isn't just a call to relax; it's a profound exploration of how rest is not the enemy of legendary work, but its ally.
Pang starts with a simple yet often ignored truth: rest is essential. The book systematically dismantles the myth of the workaholic and introduces the reader to the concept of ‘deliberate rest’. This isn’t about passively lounging on the couch in zombie mode, but instead actively engaging in restful activities that are conducive to both creativity and efficiency.
The author draws upon a rich tapestry of examples, from historical figures like Charles Darwin to contemporary studies of how sleep deprivation impacts the performance of doctors, providing a comprehensive review about the importance of rest.
A particularly fascinating aspect of "Rest" is its exploration of different forms of rest, from sleep to deep play – activities that engage and rejuvenate the mind. The book challenges the reader to rethink their daily routines, advocating for shorter work hours combined with periods of quality rest, rather than long hours of continuous labor.
Pang’s ideas transcend the one-dimensional debate about work with a significantly more beneficial and practical approach of using rest to work better.
In conclusion, "Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less" is a timeless book that offers a new perspective on productivity and success. It serves as a reminder that in our relentless pursuit of doing more, we may be overlooking the very thing that can make us more effective: rest.
Why I Recommend This Book
While I’m writing this book review for you, I’m also writing it as a reminder to myself. Although I do enjoy deliberate rest, there are definitely times when I get a little too excited by something and forget to slow down or pause.
This book is especially relevant for anyone involved in startups and venture capital. Startups are notorious for their burnout culture, and venture capitalists are often the ones shouting “add more fire” on the phone from the decks of their yachts. It’s unproductive for the startup teams. It’s uninformed from the venture capitalists. We can and should do better.
"Rest" offers a paradigm shift. It's not just a book; it's a roadmap to a better way of working and living, including for startup teams.
If you’re overwhelmed by your to-do lists, this book provides guidance about how to move forward by adding elements of deliberate rest that are ideal for your personal schedule. There’s no need to try everything all at once and starting small may be easier at first.
Even better, rest is a skill that compounds over time. As you get more comfortable integrating deliberate rest into your life, the benefits will accumulate to help you achieve the ultimate status symbol in life: unlocking your full potential.
