by Ann Ferguson

Push Until You Can’t, Rest Until You Can

That’s the rule in the new online exercise program I started a few weeks ago. It’s a totally different rhythm than I’m used to, and honestly? I’ve been having a hard time wrapping my head around it.

When I take a class at the gym, I push. And push. And push. I hate being the weakest in the room. I was a professional ballerina when I was younger—I know how to dig deep. I’ve trained myself to lean in, breathe through the fatigue, distract my mind from the pain, and keep going. That’s what discipline means to me. The rhythm I’ve lived by is: push, push, push, push some more... then crash. Get up and do it again the next day.

That’s how you build strength. That’s how you build mental toughness.

Until it isn’t.

Because somewhere along the line, burnout started winning. When I was younger, I could just keep going. Now? I collapse. And when someone gently suggests I start again, I’m quick to sabotage the idea. Resistance. Procrastination. Excuses that start sounding like facts. “It’s impossible to get back in shape.” “I just don’t have it in me anymore.” Sound familiar?

This new program challenged everything I believed about exercise.

The trainer says, “Push yourself until you can’t go on. Then rest. Don’t pace yourself just to make it through. Push hard, then rest—no matter what anyone else is doing.”

Wait, what?

Don’t pace myself? Rest in the middle of a workout?

That goes against everything I learned from ballet. If I’d stopped mid-combination at the barre because my leg was shaking, I’d be called out. My conditioning kicks in and screams: “Pace yourself so you make it to the end. Push through the pain. Keep up with the group. Collapse later.”

That was the rhythm. Until I couldn’t do it anymore.

But when I bought this program, I promised myself I’d follow it exactly for a month. I like to test things—to prove them right or wrong. The program creator promised that if I trained this way, it would reset my metabolism and make my body stronger and more efficient.

That’s exactly what I wanted: a strong, responsive body that shows up for me when I need it.

So I followed it.

Every other day, I do the workout. On the off days, I rest completely. During the workouts, I push until I literally can’t do another rep—muscles burning, lungs breathless—then I pause. Just for a few seconds. When I feel ready, I jump back in. The new rhythm is: push, rest, push, rest, push, rest. Then rest some more the next day. And repeat.

I can do this. It’s weird... but it’s working.

This new rhythm is not only effective—it’s enjoyable. My body is getting stronger. I feel more energized. I actually look forward to my workouts. Burnout? Nowhere in sight.

And here’s what I realized:

My old exercise rhythm was a lot like my creation rhythm.

Set a goal. List out all the things that need to happen to make it real. Push, push, push—late into the night, through family time, through exhaustion and mental fog. Even when the creative flow dries up, I’ve pushed through. That’s what I thought made success. That’s what I thought made me worthy.

And then I’d collapse. “I can’t do this.” “It’s too hard.” “I’m not cut out for this.”

That was my pattern.

But not anymore.

After reading The Jackrabbit Factor, attending Genius Bootcamp, and going through Mindset Mastery, my rhythm has changed. I’ve learned to create in the same rhythm I’m now using to train: push, rest, push, rest. I’ve let God become my creation coach.

Now, it looks more like this: I wake up with a spark idea. My mind is clear, energy is high, inspiration is flowing—I go for it. I take the inspired steps that come to mind, I work on the idea until my mental muscles start to fatigue... and then, I rest. I walk away—even if it’s unfinished.

Later, the spark comes again. Or a new idea emerges. Because I’ve rested, I’m excited again. Motivated. Energized. I’m not avoiding or procrastinating—I’m recharging.

This rhythm works. Push, rest, push, rest. Rest again the next day. Repeat when energized. I can do this.

My creative metabolism has been reset. My mind is efficient. Life is responsive. Resources show up. People, ideas, clarity—sometimes things I didn’t even know I needed—arrive right on time. Creating used to feel terrifying. Now, it feels natural. Joyful. Comfortable.

My mind is strong enough now to bounce out toxic thoughts before they shut down the creative process. And when I need rest, I take it—without guilt. That’s the sign of a healthy, fit creator.

So if you’re stuck, if the thought of re-engaging with a dream or project feels exhausting or impossible—I get it. Maybe your rhythm is just off.

The creative process includes doing and resting. Growth spurts don’t happen in the middle of the sprint—they happen when you’re sleeping.

So give yourself permission to push until you can’t, then rest until you can.
And let God train you into the strong, energized creator you were meant to be.

_________________

•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
•   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.