For many law firm leaders and managing partners, the idea of “working harder” is deeply ingrained. It’s a belief system shaped by the billable hour, reinforced by grind culture, underpinned by the belief you should be able to do it all, and worn like a badge of honor. The logic seems simple: More effort should equal more success.

But that logic is flawed.

The highest-performing leaders don’t just work harder; they work recover smarter. They know that rest and recovery aren’t signs of weakness but competitive advantages. In fact, what’s true for athletes is true for elite Managing Partners: strategic recovery is what separates elite performers from those who plateau or burn out.

The Cost of Overworking.

Many managing partners view their work as mentally demanding but not physically taxing—so why should they need much recovery? But leadership isn’t just about hours worked. It’s about decision-making, strategic thinking, and emotional regulation—all of which suffer without sufficient rest and recovery.

Consider this: Research shows that in an average eight-hour workday, lawyers bill only 2.5 hours. That means that much of the remaining time is spent in non-billable work. What’s more, that 2.5 hours of billable work is likely inefficient due to mental fatigue, distractions, or burnout.

When you’re constantly “on,” your brain struggles to distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Your ability to make strategic decisions, inspire your team, and navigate complex challenges erodes. Without deliberate recovery, your performance suffers—even if you’re grinding harder than ever.

The Science of Strategic Rest and Peak Performance.

Elite performers—whether in sports, business, or law—don’t just push harder; they optimize their recovery to sustain peak performance. Through my advanced training with The Flow Research Collective, I’ve studied how high-achievers unlock peak states by balancing deep work with intentional recovery.

Neuroscience confirms that flow—the optimal state of performance where you feel and perform at your best—requires structured rest. Without it, the cognitive and physiological conditions that enable flow become harder to access, leaving leaders stuck in cycles of stress and diminished performance.

Here’s why:

Cognitive Fatigue is Real. Studies show that sustained mental effort depletes the brain’s resources, impairing memory, decision-making, and focus. Recovery time is essential for restoring these cognitive reserves.
Sleep Enhances Strategic Thinking. Less than seven hours of sleep per night can lead to poor judgment, heightened stress responses, and reduced problem-solving ability. A well-rested brain is a high-performing brain.
Active Recovery Fuels Peak Performance. Neuroscience confirms that periods of mental disengagement—whether through meditation, walking, or structured breaks—enhance creativity and problem-solving.

Rewiring for Rest: Practical Strategies for High-Performing Leaders.

1. Create a Recovery Ritual.

High-performance leaders are intentional about rest. Just as you schedule meetings and client calls, schedule recovery. Consider a non-negotiable 15-minute reset midday, whether that’s a walk, deep breathing, or even just stepping away from your screen.

2. Upgrade Your Sleep Strategy.

Don’t treat sleep as an afterthought. Instead:

Set a consistent bedtime and wake time (yes, even on weekends). (Don’t laugh…mine are 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.)
Reduce screen exposure an hour before bed.
If you’re waking up groggy, you’re probably getting poor-quality sleep, not just fewer hours. Focus on sleep hygiene to maximize deep rest.

3. Micro-Recovery for High-Stakes Moments.

Leadership comes with unexpected stress. When a high-pressure moment hits, use 4-4-4-4 box breathing to reset your stress response:

• Inhale for four seconds

• Hold for four seconds

• Exhale for four seconds

• Hold for four seconds

• Repeat for one to two minutes

This simple breathing technique shifts your body from stress mode into a calmer, clearer state—so you can respond with strategy, not reactivity.

The Shift from Hustling to High Performance.

Many lawyers believe that grinding through exhaustion is the only way to succeed. It is, after all, the first of The 5 Lies I write about in Break the Law: A Story of a Reimagined Legal Career and a Reclaimed Life. In reality, elite leadership isn’t about working more hours—it’s about operating in a way that sustains peak performance.

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a leadership necessity. The highest-performing managing partners aren’t those who push the hardest, but those who optimize their energy for the long game.

If you want to lead at the highest level, stop glorifying overwork. Instead, build recovery into your leadership strategy—and watch your performance, clarity, and influence soar.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and performance, book a 30-minute discovery session with me today. Let’s explore how coaching can empower you to consistently lead at a high level.