Why I Took an 11-Month Break and What I Learned.
How burnout, a life-changing book, and an 11-month reset reshaped my priorities and reignited my purpose.
Burnout doesn’t arrive all at once—it creeps in, quietly at first. For me, it started with frustration: snapping at small things, feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep, and dreading the work that used to excite me. Each morning became a struggle to get out of bed and face the day. I told myself it was just a phase, but deep down, I knew something had to change.
And then my daughter prepared to leave for college. That moment—watching her pack up her life and step into a new chapter—hit me harder than I expected. It forced me to confront my own life. What was I doing? Where was I headed? The answers weren’t clear, and that scared me. I realized I needed to step back, not just to recharge but to figure out what really mattered.
Around this time, I picked up a book that would change everything: Four Thousand Weeks. Its message hit me hard. Life is short, painfully short. We only have a few thousand weeks to live, and most of us spend that precious time chasing things that don’t truly matter. The book became the inflection point in my journey, urging me to rethink my priorities and how I spent my days.
So, I took a break. An 11-month, soul-searching pause that changed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
What I Did During My Break
At first, I didn’t have a grand plan. All I knew was that I needed space to breathe and reflect. Slowly, my days started to fill with purpose, not tasks.
Heartfelt Conversations: I reconnected deeply with my wife, friends, and family. These weren’t just catch-ups; they were soul-level talks that reminded me what relationships can truly mean.
Meditation and Reading: I began meditating and reading more. *Four Thousand Weeks* shaped my perspective profoundly, helping me realize that time is our most precious resource, and how we use it defines our happiness.
Stepping Back from Social Media: I stopped the mindless posting and the constant pursuit of growing my follower count. Instead, I turned inward and focused on what made me happy.
Physical Health: I started working out again—a work in progress, but one I’m committed to.
Most importantly, I gave myself permission to slow down and think deeply about what makes me feel alive.
What I Learned
Helping Others Energizes Me: I discovered that selflessly helping others brings me immense joy. Hearing a heartfelt “thank you” from someone whose life I’ve impacted is more rewarding than any metric of success. I’ve set a goal to help 100,000+ people improve their lives, sharing the lessons I wish I had known as a young adult.
Retirement Isn’t My Dream: The idea of sitting on a beach, sipping cocktails all day? It’s not for me. I thrive on productive work and meaningful connections with friends and family. These are what energize me and keep me grounded.
Connection Drives My Best Work: I’ve realized that I do my best work when I feel personally connected to the problem. Now, I take the time to find those connections before diving in, and the results are better and more fulfilling.
Why I’m Back
I’m a different person than I was a year ago. I'm calmer, more intentional, and more focused. Family and friends have told me they see the change, and I feel it, too.
Now, I’m returning with a renewed purpose: to help others grow, not just grow my follower count. I want to share my learnings and personal stories to inspire others to reflect on their own lives and take steps toward what truly matters to them.
Key Takeaways
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Mental and physical health are far more important than financial health. We have limited time on this earth, and it's crucial to focus on the things that truly matter—family, meaningful work, and personal growth.
*Four Thousand Weeks* taught me that every moment counts. If we don’t prioritize what matters, we’ll spend our lives running in circles, chasing things that leave us unfulfilled. It’s not easy to step back, but it’s worth it.
So, I’ll leave you with a question: What truly matters to you? And are you spending your time on those things?
If this post resonated with you, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who might find it useful. Let’s start a ripple effect of reflection and growth.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to prioritizing what matters most.