Rest and Productivity Strategies: Lessons from Hybrid Energy Vehicles
Tomorrow is October 1st, the first day of the last quarter of the year. I don’t know about you, but for me, this time always comes with mixed emotions. On one hand, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. On the other hand, I feel rising pressure to wrap up projects, hit goals, plan for the holidays, and somehow prepare for a brand-new year.
The good news is that, in both my personal life and my work as a workshop facilitator and motivational speaker, I've learned that pushing harder isn’t always the answer. As I’ve shared in a previous blog post, exhaustion has been so normalized in our society that rest feels selfish. But let me remind you that burnout was never meant to be our baseline.
That’s why I want to challenge us to be more like hybrid energy vehicles. Yes, I said it. Cars can teach us a thing or two about thriving without running ourselves into the ground.
The Power of Shifting into Neutral
Here’s the thing about hybrid vehicles: every time they coast, gently brake, or slow down, the car automatically charges its battery. That means it can travel farther, save fuel, and run more efficiently.
The same applies to us. When we permit ourselves to pause, we’re not stopping or giving up; we’re refueling. Rest is what sustains our momentum.
For example, I used to think that if I wasn’t “doing,” I was falling behind. As a Black woman navigating professional spaces, I carried the weight of perfectionism and proving my worth. But the truth is, every time I’ve allowed myself to put life in neutral, whether that’s taking a long, quiet walk, binge-watching a guilty pleasure show, or saying no to one more meeting, I’ve come back stronger, more creative, and ready to serve at a higher level.
This is one of the core lessons I bring to my motivational speaking engagements and mental health workshops for leaders: rest isn’t wasted time, it’s well-used time.
Efficiency Over Exhaustion
Gas cars burn out faster. Hybrid vehicles go the distance. Why? Because efficiency is baked into their design.
Professionals, especially women balancing multiple roles, need to embrace the same mindset. Instead of glorifying “the grind,” we need rest and productivity strategies for professionals that prioritize longevity, not just short-term output.
Think about it, would you rather sprint through the end of the year running on fumes, or pace yourself in a way that lets you cross the finish line with energy left to celebrate your wins and begin the new year?
I’ve seen it firsthand with the executives and teams I train. When leaders model balance and prioritize self-preservation, their teams do too. Efficiency is contagious.
The Last Quarter Is only a Pit Stop, Not a Final Lap
We often treat the last quarter of the year like the final sprint. But in reality, it’s more like a pit stop; a chance to refuel, realign, and reset before the road ahead.
What if you made this October through December less about pushing harder and more about charging your internal battery? What if rest became part of your professional development plan?
This mindset shift doesn’t just support personal well-being; it’s also a leadership skill. As someone who coaches and speaks about equity, belonging, and self-preservation, I’ve seen how leaders who embrace balance create environments where innovation and resilience flourish. People feel respected, accepted, and valued for who they are and not just what they produce.
So instead of asking yourself, “How can I get more done before the year ends?” ask, “How can I fuel myself to show up fully now and in the year ahead?”
Call to Action: Fuel Yourself, Fuel Your Future
As we step into this last quarter, I encourage you to think (and act) like a hybrid vehicle. Every time you slow down, you’re not losing ground; you’re gaining fuel for the long haul.
If you’re looking for ways to bring these lessons into your workplace or leadership team, let’s talk. I design professional development workshops and motivational speaking sessions that give professionals the tools to balance ambition with self-preservation because success should not come at the cost of your health.
✨ Message me today to explore how I can help you and your team refuel and thrive.
FAQS
1. Why compare rest to hybrid energy vehicles?
Why not? Hybrid cars recharge when they slow down, just like people refuel when they rest. Rest isn’t quitting; it’s sustaining.
2. How can rest improve professional productivity?
When professionals rest, they return more focused, creative, and efficient. It’s one of the most effective burnout prevention strategies for leaders and teams.
3. How does this connect to professional development?
True professional growth requires balance. My motivational speaking and professional development workshops on mental health teach professionals how to sustain success without exhaustion or over-exertion.
4. Isn’t the last quarter the time to push harder?
The final quarter is best used to realign and refuel. Rest during this time ensures you start the new year strong and prepared.
