Do you believe in the adage...

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Most weekends, Saturday and/or Sunday, I tie up my laces and head outside for my long runs. At the moment, a long run is 10 km but when training actively my runs get longer. Over years of running, I’ve learned to take a slow and measured approach to my running goals so as to avoid injury.

This mood is quite different than where I was last year, in February, when I was still planning to run the marathon in October (I ended up cutting back to a half-marathon)

My goal then was 80 km in February. As the end of the month approached, I was 6 km away from 80 km. And, I was tired.

A little voice in my head whispered - you are lazy, you are weak, show some discipline

I gave myself permission to rest; despite the voice.

I opted for a short treadmill run, a strength workout (bands and weights) followed by sweeping a broom across the ice (curling funspiel).

The next day, I opted for a speed walk on my treadmill.

All the while, that little voice continued to natter away…

until I landed on a podcast episode of Tim Ferriss interviewing Brene Brown.

Needless to say, this student was ready to receive the learnings (or reminders!) from their conversation. Here are the top points:

1. Embrace imperfection

2. Perfection eludes the ‘best self’

3. Contentment is possible while striving for better

4. Self acceptance is NOT complacency

5. Self acceptance is also NOT the same as giving up

6. Real change is driven by self acceptance

7. There is no single efficient self improvement or self awareness process

8. Sleep is essential

I’m not perfect.

I already know that.

Rest is OK.

And, learning to embrace rest is a process.

Can you relate, Self Made Nation?

What is your relationship with rest? Do you learn from the teachings around you? How do you create free time?

I’d love to know!

Send me a note with your answer.

This is your weekly reminder to build your business as an asset!

My name is Colleen-O’Connell-Campbell and I help entrepreneurs who plan to sell their business. If you’re looking for more information on planning strategies that will consolidate your business legacy and give you a cash-rich exit in 5-10 years, I’d love to have a chat.

Please reach out to me via email or LinkedIn.

TTFN, Colleen