Step Back to Leap Forward

Early in my NFL career, I was consumed by the game. Football wasn’t just my job—it was my identity.

Every decision seemed to revolve around getting better on the field. I thought that by focusing 100% of me energy on the game, I could maximize my potential and achieve my goals faster.

But over time, I learned that sustaining success requires a more holistic approach. Taking intentional breaks, pursuing other interests, and allowing myself to recharge didn’t make me less focused—it created a more holistic perspective that made me sharper.

This lesson extends far beyond sports. Whether you’re building a career, running a business, or striving for a major goal, finding counterbalance is key to staying creative, energized, and effective.

The Cost of Obsession

For the first few years of my NFL career, football consumed every part of my life. I tried to weed out anything that seemed like it distracted from my singular focus — playing at the highest level. In-season I spent my downtime studying weekly gameplans and analyzing game film. Offseasons were mainly focused on training and studying other players in my position.

That’s what I thought was necessary to have success at that level. That kind of singular focus is what got me there in first place.

As a small school player, who became a 7th round draft pick, one thing stared me in the face every day — I was the exception, not the rule. Everything about my journey told me I wasn’t supposed to be there.

I felt I had something to prove at every turn. I wasn’t worried about proving people wrong. I was intent on proving myself right. That mentality helped me attack each day with an intensity and chip on my shoulder; an intensity that led me to the early success I had as a player.

I assumed I would operate that way for my whole career. But eventually that level of intensity came at a cost. By the start of my third year, the whole experience started to feel heavy. The more I worked, the more drained I felt — it became a vicious cycle.

I focused on ways to WORK HARDER. It never crossed my mind that I needed to WORK DIFFERENT.

I thought I was giving myself an edge — but in reality, I was running myself into the ground. Sound familiar?

Maybe you’ve felt the same way—working long hours, skipping vacations, or sacrificing personal interests in the name of “success.”

In reality, relentless focus without rest isn’t sustainable. When you don’t allow yourself to step back, you miss the chance to recharge and gain fresh perspectives that can propel you forward.

The Power of Counterbalance

It wasn’t until an off-season knee surgery forced me to take time away from football that I began to see the value of balance. I was forced to slow down, explore other interests, and think about my life beyond the game.

Recovering and rehabbing from this surgery forced to go back to square one. I was in a knee destabilizer brace for 6 weeks (a brace that went from my ankle to my hip, and locked my knee in a fixed position). When I finally started rehab, I had to start by mastering fundamental movements again, like walking.

It put me in a learning mode where I had to be vulnerable as I built trust in my body again. Relearning movements and building my body back up introduced a level of vulnerability. What if I don’t bounce back as the same player?

That question introduced a thought process I had never imagined. Who am I outside of this game?

Counterbalance isn’t about taking your foot off the gas. Sometimes you need to step away strategically to recharge, gain clarity, and return with fresh energy.

Although it wasn’t intentional, the experience made me take a step back. Yes, it allowed me to miss the game. When I eventually returned to the field, I was more motivated than ever; and that passion showed up in my performance.

But more importantly, not being able to operate in my normal routine also forced me to focus on other areas of my life. That’s when I started to explore business opportunities and other ways to compete. Those added layers and experiences helped me grow holistically.

Why Rest Improves Performance

When you’re constantly “on,” your brain doesn’t have time to process, reflect, or recover. Studies show that stepping away from work can boost creativity, improve problem-solving, and prevent burnout.

Learning to take strategic breaks didn’t just make me a better player—it made me a better leader of my own life. I could approach challenges with a clearer mind, think more strategically, and perform at a higher level.

In your career, balance might look like:

• Taking vacations without guilt;

• Scheduling time for hobbies or personal passions;

• Unplugging from work after hours to focus on family or self-care.

When you give yourself permission to rest and recharge, you’ll find that you return to your work with greater focus and effectiveness. Remember: protecting your most important asset—yourself—is a strategy for sustained success.

How to Build Counterbalance into Your Routine

1. Schedule Intentional Breaks: Block time on your calendar for recovery—whether it’s an hour to step away from work, a weekend dedicated to unplugging, or setting aside a few minutes each day for meditation or journaling. Treat this time as non-negotiable, just like an important business meeting or training session.

2. Pursue Other Interests: Explore hobbies or activities that challenge you in new ways, engage your curiosity, and reignite your passion. This could be learning a skill that complements your growth or diving into something you’ve always wanted to try but “never had the time” for.

3. Reflect on Your Priorities: Step back and assess how you’re spending your time. Are you investing in what truly matters, or are you running on autopilot? Are you overcommitted to low-impact tasks or spreading yourself too thin?Adjust accordingly.

Key Takeaway

Balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a performance strategy. When you step back, you gain perspective, recharge your energy, and return stronger than before. Whether you’re chasing a professional goal or striving to lead a team, counterbalance allows you to sustain success without burning out.

Make a routine out of asking yourself: What’s one way I can build balance into my routine this week? 

Your long-term success depends on it.

Ready to take the next step?

Every great transformation begins with a single step. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, building a business, or redefining your path, Separation Playbook provides the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to create sustainable success:

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