For a lot of us women, we feel like we have to prove ourselves constantly, saying yes to everything, taking on every project, showing that we can handle it all. Back-to-back meetings, never-ending emails, signing up for opportunities that pop up… I thought that’s how you got noticed.

But here’s the thing: I realized I was so busy doing everything, I barely had time to think. I was jumping from task to task, replying to emails as they came, saying yes to multiple opportunities without really seeing the value in any of them. And honestly? It was exhausting. That’s when I knew I needed to step back, figure out what really mattered, and fully commit to what I could handle, no more spreading myself thin.

Rest, I’ve found, isn’t laziness, it’s smart. And for women, it’s especially important. Protecting your energy, focusing on where you’re truly valued, and not feeling guilty for saying no can make all the difference. Sometimes rest is small, a short walk, a deep breath, a cup of tea or coffee without checking your phone. Other times, it’s bigger: stepping back from a project or an opportunity so you can show up fully for the ones that really matter.

And the funny thing? It doesn’t make you less capable. It makes you sharper, more present, more… yourself. When you come back from a pause, your thinking is clearer, your creativity flows, and you lead in a way that actually feels real.

That’s why I say: Rest is revolutionary. True leadership, especially for us women, isn’t about how much we do. It’s about choosing wisely, acting with intention, and daring to rest.