How to Prevent (And Break Free) From Languishing

On the wall of my local gym, where the coaches program training based on how athletes feel, hangs a chart that details RPE, or rate of perceived exertion.

Commonly used in high-performance sport, RPE is a helpful tool to balance effort and recovery. More time in upper zones means more time in lower ones. Stress plus rest equals growth, and not just in sport, but in pretty much everything.

This chart is on my mind because I’ve been feeling a bit fatigued and blah lately. Taking stock of my situation over the last six or seven weeks, I realized I never really went above RPE eight, and I’m not just talking about in the gym, but globally in my work and life. I also haven’t spent much, if any, time in the RPE one to three zone either.

Now, I’ve actually been quite productive, making good headway on three big writing projects, finally starting my Instagram and getting some good content up there, coaching clients through a handful of challenging situations, being consistent in my physical practice, and bringing my best to a few speaking engagements. But at no point in the past few weeks have I touched RPE nine, let alone ten. I’d say I’ve spent about…