If we want to get stronger, we lift weights. If we want to learn a new language, we study. And if we want to solve a problem, we sit down with that problem and do some mental gymnastics until the problem is solved. We put in the reps, and we improve, Easy formula, right?

Well…. not quite. I mean, putting in reps is definitely a crucial ingredient to the recipe of success, but we are leaving out an important factor: rest.

It has been said that rest and activity are the steps to progress in anything and we can see this two-step process illustrated visually with the coloring of a cloth. If we wish to dye a cloth a different color, we dip the cloth in dye until it is completely saturated, then we dry it out, which only slightly changes the color of the cloth. You then repeat this process until the cloth has been so fully saturated that it no longer loses color when it is dried out. And even though with many habits, they are never fully “done,” this saturation point also applies to our personal growth.

It might seem intuitive if we wanted to solve a problem that we should dedicate as much time to that problem as possible. Indeed, this might be a valid technique for some problems, but many might find that their breakthroughs come after a period of rest. Sometimes coming back to the problem fresh and saturated with the knowledge of the previous experience of unsuccessfully trying to solve this problem is what will lead us to see something you hadn’t seen before; a new angle from which the problem can be solved.

The same goes for muscle building. It may seem intuitive that if we wanted to build muscle quickly, we would work our muscles to exhaustion and then push past that point. As we know from a previous blog, this can lead to injuries which may sideline you from building any muscle whatsoever. Having a good rest after a period of activity is the perfect way to ensure our muscles are repairing properly and will be in good condition for our next workout.

I believe this concept of a saturation point can be applied to any new habit or skill one is trying to acquire. We cannot make sweeping changes all at once. Like cloth, we get saturated with inputs and information and cannot change our color overnight. We have to come back to activities over time and after rest to make meaningful change. However, it is not an exact science. Some people may find they require more rest or time away from a habit in order to fully excel in learning it, while others may have a greater saturation threshold, being able to spend more time in study or practice of a skill or habit.

It is crucial for us to be cognizant of our personal saturation point when on the path to upgrading a facet of our lives. We often find ourselves pushing past the point of where we should stop with the mindset that the more time we put in now, the faster we will grow. Being aware of this point where we should take the time to rest our mind or body will allow us to be more consistent and avoid burnout.

The signs of oversaturation will differ from person to person. For something cognitively demanding, we might notice ourselves drastically slowing down how much we are getting done, or taking in. When I am doing my Mandarin flashcards and realize that I haven’t been taking in the information anymore, I know it’s time to take a break until my mind feels rested and refreshed.

So, let us not feel like taking a break or resting is detrimental to growth. Instead let us realize the necessity of rest to incorporate and synthesize all the information we have just gained. Try to figure out where your saturation point lies with each activity, and be kind to yourself and rest when it is necessary. You are the cloth, we are all the cloth.