Don’t feel guilty, you’re just embracing the pause
I’ve always thrived in “go mode.” There’s something about the hum of constant motion—deadlines looming, pressure building—that lights a fire under me. I work well when the stakes are high, hitting targets for my 9-5 job, making steady gains in the financial markets, and pouring energy into my “5-9pm” passions. These past few weeks, I felt unstoppable. Project deadlines? Crushed. Investing progress? On track. My website updates and R&D for an e-commerce product launch? Dialed in. I was riding a wave of adrenaline, fueled by the thrill of checking boxes and seeing results.
Then, this week hit. Out of nowhere, I felt it: pure, bone-deep exhaustion. My body was screaming what my mind refused to acknowledge—I’d forgotten to slow down. In the moment, it’s easy to get caught up in the high of progress. But when the crash comes, so does the guilt. Should I feel bad for hitting the brakes? Why do I feel this gnawing sense of shame for not keeping up the pace? I’ve been mentally stuck, wrestling with these questions, and I’m starting to realize something: it’s okay to give myself grace.
The Double-Edged Sword of Staying Busy
I know I’m not alone in this. For those of us who thrive on being perpetually “on,” slowing down can feel like failure. We tie our worth to productivity—how much we get done, how many goals we smash. But here’s the catch: that relentless drive can burn you out. It’s not just a mental toll; it takes a physical hit too. Push too hard for too long, and your body will force you to stop—whether you like it or not. That crash? It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a signal. Ignoring it can do more harm than the fleeting satisfaction of another late-night win.
This week, I’ve been learning to listen. I don’t have to feel guilty for needing a break. Yes, I love the hustle. Yes, I shine under pressure. But I’m not a machine—and neither are you.
Building Triggers to Pause
So how do we catch ourselves before we hit the wall? It’s about setting up triggers—little alerts that remind us to slow down before the burnout takes over. Here are a few ideas that have worked for me (and might help you too):
Track Your Energy, Not Just Your Tasks: Keep a quick log of how you’re feeling each day. Are you energized or dragging? A simple note can reveal patterns you might miss in the grind.
Set a “Pause Point”: Decide on a cue—like finishing a big project or hitting a certain number of late nights—that signals it’s time to rest. Stick to it.
Check In With Your Body: Feeling tense shoulders, headaches, or a racing heart? Those are your body’s SOS. Don’t ignore them.
Schedule Reflection: Block 10 minutes weekly to look back. What went well? What drained you? It’s a small habit with big impact.
These don’t have to be elaborate. The point is to build awareness so you’re not blindsided by exhaustion.
The Power of Doing Nothing
Here’s the part I’m still wrapping my head around: it’s okay to do nothing sometimes. Really. We’re conditioned to think stillness is lazy, but it’s not. It’s a reset. A chance to breathe, reassess, and recharge. You don’t have to feel guilty for it. Give yourself permission to stop—watch a movie, stare at the ceiling, take a nap. Allow that grace. The key is balance: don’t stay there too long. Linger just enough to feel human again, then set some realistic goals to ease back in. You’ll know when you’re ready. That itch to create, to move, to grind—it’ll come back naturally.
Back to the Grind, On Your Terms
I’m not saying I’ll abandon my love for “go mode.” It’s part of who I am. But I’m learning that slowing down isn’t the enemy of progress—it’s the fuel for it. This week, I’ve been stuck, and that’s okay. I’ve reflected on how far I’ve come, logged my wins, and let myself rest. Soon, I’ll be back—hitting deadlines, chasing gains, and building my dreams. Only this time, I’ll carry a little more grace in my back pocket.
So if you’re feeling guilty for slowing down, don’t. You’re not failing—you’re recalibrating. Take the pause. Track your journey. And when you’re ready, get back out there. The grind will be waiting, and you’ll be stronger for it.