Creating Your Recovery Rhythm
I used to think that all time was equal. I used to think all tasks were equal. I used to treat each day as if it was the same as the day before. And here’s the big one I’m wanting to share about today: I used to believe that recovery was the same for every person and the same for every assignment.
I am the lead pastor at Epic Church and I normally teach 30-34 Sundays a year. We have 3 services, which means I’m speaking for 35-40 minutes three times in a row, without much time between services. And often between services, I’m engaged in conversations with multiple people.
While I’ve done Sundays like this hundreds of times, I used to treat Mondays like they were the same as any other day of the week. That was so crazy! Do you know what my mind and body feel like after teaching all day on Sunday? I’ve had to learn the hard way about creating my recovery rhythm.
Here are a few things I now do on Mondays:
Set the alarm clock an hour later than normal
Do not schedule anything before 11am on Mondays.
Though I keep a very managed schedule the other days of the week, I give myself some “wandering” time on Mondays.
Though your assignment and schedule is probably different from mine, let me give you a few general principles when it comes to creating your recovery rhythm:
The most-accomplished athletes and performers in the world give as much time and attention to recovery as they do to developing their skills. What if the absence of a healthy recovery plan is actually the thing keeping you from performing better in what you’re trying to do?
While we all need a recovery rhythm, we do not all need the same recovery rhythm. Your unique make-up and the weight of your assignments should help you determine how much recovery you need and what type of recovery you need. Some people need more sleep. Some people need a slower pace on certain days. Some people need to actually break a sweat by running or intensely lifting weights. Knowing who you are and the significance of your current projects in this season, what might recovery need to look like for you?
Think about micro-recovery and macro-recovery for your life. I have been discovering the value of micro-recovery over the past several months. Here are some examples of micro-recovery:
When you finish doing a deep work session (see Cal Newport’s book Deep Work), take a 15-20 minute walk outside without looking at your phone.
When you know you’re going to have a work event in the evening, leave the office a couple hours early and go for a run or get a workout in.
When your energy is fading, take a 10-15 minute power nap.
Here are some examples of macro-recovery:
Take a 1-2 week vacation where you aren’t working or even thinking about work.
Schedule an overnight getaway with your spouse once a quarter.
Whatever work you do that is most demanding to you, choose a week where you do not do any of that heavy work. (For me, it would be “I will not write any content this week.”) You’ll need to get ahead in your work to be able to do this with freedom and peace.
I recently finished reading 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan. I’ve really been reflecting on this quote: The more successful you become, the more recovery takes the front seat to everything else. What if more recovery time, not more grinding time, is the secret to you doing your best work in this next season?
Creating a Recovery Rhythm is one of the big ideas I cover in my executive coaching practice. If you want to see if my coaching could be a fit for the life you’re seeking to live, you can go to https://www.benpilgreen.com/coaching
Keep Moving Forward,
