If you're looking to get ahead in your career, working harder than others helps. Effort sets great performers apart. But it's also important to take breaks to achieve better results.
A powerful work ethic is crucial to success. But a key to maintaining a great work ethic is to also develop a strong rest ethic, says Suneel Gupta, founder of Los Angeles-based coaching service Rise and author of "Everyday Dharma." A recent survey showed that 40% of C-suite executives say they're likely to quit within a year because of workplace stress. People are overworked.
And don't think you can just catch up on rest during vacations and long weekends, Gupta says. That doesn't work. "People are fizzling out and getting burned out before they seek rest," he said.
Hard Work Matters, But Take Breaks
That's not to discount the power of hard work. "The best really do work harder than everyone else," said Jon Gordon, a Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.-based leadership consultant whose book "Training Camp" is about what the best people do better than others. "The best have a strong work ethic and have an incredible focus and desire to work hard."
A strong work ethic builds longevity, too. Most people who fizzle out later in their careers do it not because they ran out of time or talent but because their energy waned, Gupta says. "They don't have enough grit and hustle in the tank," he said.
Keep A Powerful Work Ethic By Stepping Away
But high-level performers take what Gupta calls rhythmic renewal. They take breaks frequently. In talking to hundreds of successful people, Gupta found that the top performers take an average of eight breaks a day.
Those aren't long breaks. Gupta suggests people take a five-minute break for every 55 minutes they work.
"It's counterintuitive because everybody wants to add more time to the day," Gupta said. "But those breaks make the other 55 minutes far more effective, collaborative and creative. You bring more energy to the work you do."
It could be a short walk, grabbing a coffee or doing a word game. Focus only on the activity you're doing to take breaks, rather than worrying about work.
Gordon espouses a similar idea. People should look to take breaks, whether it's every day, every week or in the slow season.
"There's a time to plant, a time to work, a time to harvest and a time to rest," said Gordon. "If you don't take the time to rest and recharge, like the land you'll lose your fertileness."
Caring Leads To A Powerful Work Ethic
But you still need that powerful drive to put in the work to succeed. It starts with an intense level of caring about what you're doing. "I always say caring is the difference between average and greatness," Gordon said. "If you don't care, you're not going to work hard."
Have a vision of what you're building, too. That will give you the incentive to work harder to accomplish it, he says.
"No one has to make Tom Brady or Steph Curry work hard," Gordon said. "They're so devoted that it drives their discipline. You won't be great at something if you don't love it."
Maintain energy and a strong work ethic even after you've achieved a level of success by looking for new challenges. Seek uncomfortable situations to tap into your energy. "Really gifted leaders continue to find new ways to find comfort in the discomfort," Gupta said. "They're not running away from pain."
Stay Humble, And Take Breaks
Don't forget, though, that "humility is king," Gordon said. "Even if you've had a lot of success, the most successful people still feel like they have a lot to learn and they can grow and improve."
Gordon was speaking at a leadership conference once and saw renowned motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, who was 82, in the front row taking notes. "And it wasn't because I was up there," Gordon said. "He's the legend and here he is taking notes. He was still striving to get better."
