In partnership with
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
I just got back from Costa Rica.
We didn’t over-plan.
Didn’t chase excursions.
Didn’t try to “maximize” the trip.
I read three books.
Napped in a hammock on the beach.
Let the sun hit my face.
Let the days stretch.
Swam in the ocean 6 times a day and showered outside.
And for stretches of time, I put my phone away.
Not performative unplugging.
Not “look at me, I’m off grid.”
Just quiet.
No urgency.
No pushing.
No constant input.
And here’s what I noticed:
When you really rest — not half rest, not scrolling-rest — something shifts.
You don’t come back slower.
You come back sharper.
I’m excited to be back.
Excited to push.
Excited to build.
Excited for this week.
That only happens when the break is real.
If you answer emails the whole time, you don’t recharge.
If you half-work, you half-rest.
And then you return flat.
But if you actually step away…
if you let your nervous system settle…
if you give your brain space to wander…
Vacation doesn’t slow momentum.
It propels it.
Not because you hustled harder.
Because you stopped.
If done right, a break isn’t an escape.
It’s fuel.
And this week feels fueled.
3 Things Worth Paying Attention To
1. True rest requires boundaries
If you don’t protect it, it won’t happen.
2. Excitement is a signal
If you’re excited to get back to work, that’s alignment — not addiction.
3. Space creates perspective
Distance from your work often gives you the clarity you couldn’t find inside it.
One Simple Reset (This Week)
You don’t need Costa Rica to reset. But if you do…call me I can tell you where to go and what to do!
Try this:
block one evening completely phone-free
take a half-day offline
read 30 pages instead of scrolling
sit outside for 20 minutes with no agenda
Small disconnection.
Big return.
1 Book
Deep Work — Cal Newport
A reminder that focus is a competitive advantage — and that recovery is part of producing at a high level.
1 Quote
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.”
— Anne Lamott
🤝 Let’s Connect
If you want to build something sustainable — not just successful — let’s talk.
Business.
Leadership.
Energy.
No pitch.
Just conversation.
— Brian
