A nap? Or a kick up the backside?
How to know when to push pause and when to push through.
Summary: Resilience requires more than just pushing through. In times of constant busy-ness, the real skill is knowing when to dig deep - or when to rest. This article helps you recognise the difference, offering clear signs, self-reflection prompts, and a practical guide to building smarter, more sustainable resilience.
With summer around the corner and workloads still heavy, it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re running on empty. In conversations with clients and contacts, resilience is a frequent topic.
But what does it really take to stay resilient right now?
Many people are asking: Do I need a break? Or do I just need to dig a little deeper and keep going?
It’s a good question. And the answer isn’t always straightforward.
When Stress Becomes the Norm
There’s no denying that life feels demanding. The backdrop to our lives and work is volatile. Our inboxes are in a constant state of overflow. Our personal lives are busy. No wonder we feel tired.
But there’s another narrative out there. One that suggests we’ve all just gone a little soft. That the minute things get tough, we walk away or talk about burnout. That other generations just got on with it - so why can’t we?
The truth lies, as so often, somewhere in the messy middle.
Yes, there’s no doubt that earlier generations faced real hardship. And at the same time, we’re living in a world that brings a kind of chronic stress that’s hard to switch off from.
But what matters isn’t who’s the toughest. It’s whether we’re being wise about when to rest and when to push through.
Rest vs Grit: How to Tell Which One You Need
Resilience is often misunderstood. It’s not constant perseverance. It’s far more complicated than that. It’s knowing when to keep going - and when to stop. Sometimes, the bravest thing is taking a break. Other times, it’s refusing to let yourself off the hook.
So how do you know which one you need?
Here’s a quick guide:
Ask Yourself...
What kind of tired am I - physically drained, emotionally stretched, or mentally overloaded?
Am I genuinely depleted, or am I avoiding something difficult or uncomfortable?
If I were to rest, what would truly help me feel restored - not just distracted?
If I gave myself permission to rest later, what small step could I take right now?
What would bring more clarity: stepping back or stepping up?
Let’s Build Smarter Resilience
Rest, or grit? The answer isn’t either/or. It’s knowing yourself well enough to choose wisely. It’s recognising your personal warning signs. And it’s about being kind enough to pause - or persistent enough to carry on. Whatever the moment calls for.
So before you power through or switch off entirely, ask yourself: What does this moment truly need from me?
July 2025
Interesting further resources:
BBC Radio Antisocial Podcast on Grit and Resilience
This episode explores whether we’ve become too quick to label normal challenges as burnout - and what true resilience really looks like. It dives into cultural attitudes toward toughness, the limits of self-care, and whether society needs more grit or more compassion.
Grit by Angela Duckworth
In this bestselling book, psychologist Angela Duckworth examines why perseverance and passion matter more than talent when it comes to long-term success. She shares research, case studies, and practical strategies for building grit - especially when motivation runs low or setbacks pile up.
Pico Iyer’s TED Talk The Art of Stillness
A poetic and powerful reflection on the value of stillness in a world that never stops. Iyer explores how stepping back - even briefly - can restore clarity, creativity, and perspective.
Leap Sheets - Rest or Grit Toolkit
Have you checked out our new LeapSheet library yet? These handy one-pagers are designed to help you reflect, reframe, and take action on everyday leadership and career challenges. They’re quick to read, easy to save, and full of practical prompts to help you take action.
Sign up for free to access the full (and growing) library.
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