To Lead With Clarity And Vision, You Need To Be Able To Rest
By Ron Rudzin, CEO & Founder of Saatva
Ron Rudzin is the CEO of Saatva, The Official Mattress and Restorative Sleep Provider of Team USA & the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
When I was younger, I read Barbarians at the Gate, the story of the RJR Nabisco takeover, a defining snapshot of 1980s corporate culture. Back then, business was fueled by late nights, three-martini lunches (scotch for me) and a kind of pride in running on empty. Appearing exhausted and running on little sleep was almost a badge of honor—proof that you were hustling, grinding and earning your place. In the early years of my career, I often embodied those same ideals. I believed that relentless hard work and sacrifice would set me apart, and in many ways, they did. But as my company evolved, I began to understand that success is about something deeper.
What separates sustained success from burnout or mediocrity isn’t just hustle—it’s readiness, resilience and vision. You need to be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to make bold, thoughtful decisions. And that’s only possible when you are intentional about how you live, work and recover.
Living With Purpose And Vision
Today, I see success holistically. It’s not about titles or quick wins. It’s about living with purpose, doing meaningful work and waking up each day with clarity about who you are and where you’re headed. And none of that is possible if you’re running on empty.
A few weeks ago, an old friend visited. We grew up together, and he is now a successful doctor. As we caught up, I found myself reflecting on how the paths we take are shaped by the small, daily choices we make: what we prioritize, how we spend our energy and how we prepare for what’s ahead. That conversation clarified something I’ve felt for a long time: There are two ways to live, reactively or with vision.
A reactionary life means constantly responding to what’s in front of you: the next fire, the loudest voice, the most urgent ask. It means letting your environment dictate your priorities and direction. I’ve seen people live that way—always running, rarely reflecting—until they eventually burn out.
A visionary life, on the other hand, is grounded in long-term thinking. It’s about knowing what matters to you, aligning your actions with your values and showing up every day with the energy and clarity to make decisions that move you forward. Over time, I have cultivated a few strategies that help me stay focused on the bigger picture and think with a visionary mindset:
1. Treat sleep as an activity.
Approach sleep with the same importance you give to exercise or eating well: something you prepare for each day, protect in your schedule and view as essential to your overall performance and well-being.
2. Start your day with intention.
Set the tone before the day even begins by using the night before to prepare your mind for the kind of day you want to have. Identify the key actions that will move you closer to your long-term goals. This way, you step into the day with clarity and purpose, rather than reacting to whatever comes your way.
3. Define your nonnegotiables.
Figure out the three or four things that matter most in your life and career, and let them guide your decisions. If something doesn’t align with those priorities, learn to say no.
Playing The Long Game
I have learned that vision is the ultimate differentiator. I am still as competitive as ever. I love to win, but I don’t chase short-term gains. I play the long game. And that mindset doesn’t just shape my business, it shapes my life. It’s why I focus on my health. It’s why I surround myself with people who share a sense of direction. It’s why I treat sleep as an activity and a daily investment.
Running a fast-paced business requires quick thinking. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to a long-term vision. You can’t build something meaningful if you are always “just reacting.” You build something great by knowing where you are going and making intentional choices.
Today, I don’t wear exhaustion as a badge of honor. Success isn’t fueled by running on empty. It’s fueled by rest, clarity and the vision to know exactly where you’re headed.
This article was originally published on Forbes.
