1 Quote, 1 Truth, 1 Action

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.”
— Anne Lamott

While relaxing on vacation, Lin reached for a book he had been slowly working through. Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton was captivating. It was full of drama and complexity. Hamilton’s ascent from poverty to highly regarded was the classic American dream.  It was inspirational and relatable; Hamilton would write his way through his struggles, like an artist in an inner city with dreams of making it big. Sitting there in his folding chair, feet in sand, Lin received a grand idea. Lin-Manuel Miranda would retell the unpopular story of Alexander Hamilton through the lens of hip hop. It would be difficult, complex and tedious and this undertaking would take six years of intense dedication to reach fruition.

Today, Hamilton is immensely successful, first on broadway and then commercially. The show had record breaking advanced sales of $30 million and won he Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2016,  11 Tony awards and Grammy for Best Theater Musical Album. Disney paid $75 million for the filmed staged performance. Hamilton is now a cultural icon.

And it all started from an idea generated while resting on vacation.

While at Rest…

Sometimes, while our minds and bodies are at rest, we are better prepared to receive an idea. Unfortunately, people mistake action for progress and do not value rest and relaxation. Not only is it good for your body, it is great for your productivity.

Resting on vacation turns out to be the most productive thing Lin-Manuel Miranda could have done with his time.

If you have a hard time sitting still, here is a challenge for today, try to do just that.

Put the phone down, pick up a book, stare at the ceiling, let your mind and body relax.

Ideas are a bi-product of a well rested mind.

---

Receive Your Morning Empowerment

---

Read My Books