You can rest or you can quit. Choose rest. It’s a powerful reminder that pausing is not failing, it’s a strategic part of any long-term success. This mindset shift is the difference between burning out and building something that lasts.
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Meaning
It’s a simple but profound reframe: stopping is not the same as giving up. Rest is a tactical retreat, while quitting is a permanent surrender.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times with clients and honestly, in my own work. We hit a wall and our brain immediately presents two options: push through the pain (which leads to burnout) or just throw in the towel. But Matthews is introducing a crucial third door. He’s saying, “Hey, step back. Take a breath. Let your body and mind recover.” That’s the rest. It’s not passive; it’s an active part of the process. Your muscles don’t grow in the gym, they grow when you’re resting and recovering. It’s the exact same principle for your career, your creative projects, anything hard. The real failure isn’t stopping; it’s mistaking a necessary pause for a final exit.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Health (243) |
| Topics | balance (95), rest (15) |
| Literary Style | simple (291) |
| Emotion / Mood | encouraging (304), gentle (183) |
| Overall Quote Score | 73 (94) |
Origin & Factcheck
This comes straight from Michael Matthews’s 2012 fitness book, Thinner Leaner Stronger, which was published in the United States. You won’t find it misattributed to some ancient philosopher, it’s very much a modern, pragmatic take on resilience from the world of physical training.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael Matthews (111) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Thinner Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Female Body (55) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Michael Matthews writes straightforward, evidence-based fitness books and leads Legion Athletics, a supplement and education company. He connects with readers through the Muscle for Life podcast and hundreds of articles on training, nutrition, and healthy habits. He champions simple programming, high-protein diets, progressive overload, and sustainable fat loss. The Michael Matthews book list includes Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger, and The Shredded Chef. He continues refining his methods using new research and feedback from thousands of readers and clients.
| Official Website
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | You can rest or you can quit. Choose rest |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781938895308; Last edition: 2021 Revised Edition; Number of pages: 420 |
| Where is it? | Approximate page 240, Chapter 12: Rest and Growth |