Every Saturday during summer we do a full day on the beach. I have a regimented routine to pack our towels, a picnic, drinks, and I am so accustomed to it I do it without thinking about exactly what I am doing. However, last week disaster struck; as I went to lie down I realised I had forgotten my pods. The thought of a morning without music scared me; my wife was just as scared that I would want to have a conversation before we’d had our first swim and lunch. So I instead lay down, closed my eyes and was alone with my thoughts. What happened next was quite interesting; as I slowed down and forced myself to think over the past week and months I took a completely new perspective on certain things, made decisions I had been putting off and basically planned out next month in an hour.
Man Utd Summer 1995
In May 1995, Manchester United had fallen just short on two major fronts: they lost the league on the very last day, needing one single goal against West Ham to secure a third consecutive league title. Then, just 6 days later they lost the FA Cup Final to Everton. After 3 years of dominance, the pressure to rebuild quickly was intense. But what did Sir Alex Ferguson do?
He stepped back. He took a full summer to reflect. He did not panic. No rash signings. No overhaul-for-overhaul’s sake. Instead, he quietly assessed, reset, and returned in August having made bold, clear decisions: out went 3 first team players; in came the famous class of 92: Beckham, Scholes, Butt, the Nevilles.
The 1995–96 season? A domestic double. A team rebuilt and reborn. This was an ongoing dynasty that had been reset by rest.
Stillness Precedes Strategic Bravery
Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t react. He paused to perceive. Leaders don’t just fix—they frame. And sometimes that frame needs to be rebuilt in silence. Like a founder facing burnout, distraction, or temptation to force a fix, Ferguson chose deliberate clarity over busy reaction.
The lesson? The break is the work.
Why You Step Back Before You Leap
Here are the 3 roles of rest in leadership that I experienced last week:
- Listen: What’s your business really trying to tell you?
- Loosen: Where are old habits (or people, or processes) tightening your ability to evolve?
- Leverage: What bold move can only emerge after honest space?
Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t take a break because he was uncertain. He took it so he wouldn’t be.
Take a Strategic Recovery Day
You are most likely thinking of, already on or looking forward to a well earned break this month. My recommendation? During your downtime and before August ends, take a Reset Day. No meetings.. No admin. No “just catching up”
Just a notebook and three powerful prompts:
- What am I tolerating that no longer fits the business I want?
- What truths have I been too busy to face?
- What one bold move would I make if I truly paused to think?
Summary
United’s return in ’95–96 wasn’t built in a war room. It was built in space, silence, and stillness. That’s what allowed the clarity to emerge. The break is the work. We’re conditioned to believe rest is the opposite of work. But for founder-CEOs, busyness ≠ progress; rest is often the most important work. Step back, not because you’re lost, but because you’re about to lead more clearly.
Helping leaders and businesses drive success forward
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We empower ambitious business owners to grow with clarity and confidence. Based in the UK, we specialise in working in creative and service-led industries that demand a financial partner who gets it — responsive, knowledgeable and always easy to talk to.
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Want to see if we could be a fit for your business? Let’s connect virtually (we’ll be live, no robots here).
