I remember the exact day I quit running myself into the ground. I’d been tackling a big project, the kind you pour your heart into. I’d spent hours working late, pushing to finish “just one more thing.” By the end, I was completely spent—not just tired but creatively drained, uninspired, and, ironically, dissatisfied with the result.
A friend’s advice echoed in my mind: “Leave yourself wanting more.” I’d always brushed it off. Why stop when you’re on a roll? But after yet another burnout cycle, I decided to give it a shot.
The result surprised me: stopping before I was completely depleted didn’t just preserve my energy—it fueled my enthusiasm for the next day. Leaving myself wanting more became a practice, and it transformed the way I worked, created, and even lived.
What It Means to Leave Yourself Wanting More
The concept is simple: stop before you’re completely tapped out. Whether it’s work, exercise, or even a Netflix binge, the idea is to end while you still have some energy or excitement left.
Why? Because when you quit while you’re ahead, you avoid burnout and keep your momentum going. It’s about sustainability—not just in productivity but in enjoyment.
Why We Tend to Overdo It
Let’s be honest: our culture celebrates going “all in.” We’re told to hustle harder, push further, and leave nothing on the table. And while that mindset can lead to impressive short-term wins, it’s also a fast track to exhaustion.
Think about the last time you overdid something—whether it was working overtime, cramming for an exam, or running a few extra miles. Did it make you better? Or did it leave you dreading the next round?
Where This Principle Applies
1. Creativity and Work
Ever notice that your best ideas don’t come when you’re grinding at your desk for hours? Creativity thrives on rest. Leaving a project unfinished—intentionally—can make it easier to pick up where you left off later.
For example, when writing, I’ve learned to stop mid-idea rather than forcing myself to finish everything in one sitting. The excitement of continuing the thought keeps me motivated the next day.
2. Hobbies and Exercise
Pushing to the point of exhaustion might feel productive, but it’s counterproductive in the long run. If you leave a workout or hobby session while you’re still enjoying it, you’ll be excited to come back to it.
One of my friends is a runner, and she shared that stopping before her legs give out keeps her looking forward to her next run. Instead of dreading it, she’s eager to lace up her shoes again.
3. Relationships
Yes, this applies to people too. You don’t need to solve every problem or have every conversation in one sitting. Sometimes, stepping back when things are still good leaves room for growth, understanding, and a stronger bond.
Ever leave a great hangout thinking, “That was so fun—I can’t wait to see them again!” That’s the magic of leaving yourself wanting more.
The Benefits of Stopping Early
1. Builds Anticipation
When you stop while you’re still engaged, you’re more likely to come back with energy and excitement. That anticipation can make a task—or a workout, or a creative project—feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
2. Prevents Burnout
By keeping a little in reserve, you’re less likely to hit a wall. Burnout isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental, and once you reach that point, it’s hard to bounce back.
3. Creates Consistency
Leaving yourself wanting more makes it easier to keep showing up. Instead of dreading the next step, you look forward to it—and that consistency is where real progress happens.
How to Start Leaving Yourself Wanting More
Set Boundaries: Create time or task limits. For example, work for 90 minutes, then stop—even if you think you could keep going.
Practice Discipline: It’s tempting to finish “just one more thing,” but stopping before you’re completely drained takes willpower. Over time, it gets easier.
Reflect on the Feeling: Notice how it feels to step away while you still have energy. You might be surprised at how much lighter and more motivated you feel the next day.
Make It a Habit
Leaving yourself wanting more isn’t about holding back—it’s about moving forward in a way that’s sustainable and joyful. It’s about savoring the process instead of rushing to the finish line.
So, the next time you’re tempted to push just a little harder, pause. Step back. Trust that stopping now will make you stronger, more creative, and more excited for what’s next. Sometimes, less really is more.
