Jasper Pegtel
Saturday, December 21, 2024
As the holiday season approaches, you may find yourself thinking, “How can I truly rest and recover from this sales burnout?"
Well, you’re in luck—I'm Jasper, cofounder at RogerRoger, and I’m here to give you the recovery tools you need.
The constant pressure to hit those quotas, endless calls, and unpredictable client behavior can leave even the most determined sales professionals drained. But here's the thing: you don't have to stay in that cycle.
So, let’s take a break, recharge, and use the amazing power of books this season. Trust me—this could be your most refreshing break yet.
Ebook or Physical Book?
Before diving into the books, I have to ask: Are you team physical book or ebook?
It’s one of those endless debates that never gets settled. Personally, I’m a fan of the physical book. Why? Because it allows me to step away from screens. I’ve already spent over 10+ hours in front of a screen each day, so holding a book—smelling the pages and feeling the texture—is an experience that’s completely refreshing.
We’re always on screens, so why not take a break from electronics during your downtime? I’m sure you agree with me on that.
Book #1: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Focus of the book: Small changes, big results.
Why it helps:
Burnout often comes from habits that aren't helping us. James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a guide to changing those habits. With helpful advice and real-life examples, he shows us how small changes can lead to big results. The best part? It’s a book full of useful tips that you can easily use in your everyday life.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
Book #2: “The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
Focus of the book: Turn problems into chances.
Why it helps:
Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way offers a new way to look at challenges—see them as chances to grow, not things that stop you. Using ideas from Stoic philosophy, this book will help you turn problems (like sales rejections) into steps toward success and growth.
This isn’t just a book—it’s a new way of thinking that will make you feel unstoppable.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been."
Book #3: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
Focus of the book: Your comfort zone is holding you back.
Why it helps:
Sales is not easy—it takes determination and persistence. David Goggins is known for his mental strength, and his book Can’t Hurt Me will inspire you. This honest story will push you to leave comfort behind and discover your own amazing potential.
If you’re ready to grow stronger, this book is for you.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential."
Book #4: “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less” by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Focus of the book: Do more by working less.
Why it helps:
Ever feel like the harder you work, the less you get done? Alex Pang’s Rest changes that idea. It talks about how rest helps you do better work, get more creative, and recharge your energy. This book is a gentle reminder that rest is not a waste of time—it’s necessary for real productivity.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"Work and rest are not opposites. Rest is not this passive thing that happens when you stop working. It is a skill."
Book #5: “Rework” by Jason Fried
Focus of the book: Smash the rules and build your own path.
Why it helps:
Rework is the ultimate manifesto for breaking free of traditional thinking. Whether it’s ditching unnecessary meetings or rewriting what productivity means, this book will help you take back control of your workday—and your energy.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"Workaholics aren’t heroes. They don’t save the day; they just use it up
Book #6: “Grip” by Rick Pastoor
Focus of the book: Master your time, master your life.
Why it helps:
Burnout thrives on chaos, and chaos starts with a lack of structure. Pastoor’s Grip is the ultimate guide to organizing your time and energy in a way that makes sense for you. Packed with practical tips and proven strategies, you need to get your life—and sales game—back on track.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"You don't have to be busy to be productive. It's about working with intention and making each action count."
Book #7: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
Focus of the book: Escape to a world of endless possibilities.
Why it helps:
Sometimes, all you need is an escape—a reminder that there’s more to life than the pressures of work. The Midnight Library takes you on an emotional journey through different lives, where every choice leads to a different path. It’s the perfect book for when you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or questioning your decisions. This book will give you the gentle comfort that there’s always a way forward.
Favorite Quote from the Book:
"You don’t have to understand life. You just have to live it."
Final Note
Books are treasures—filled with stories, lessons, and experiences from people we’ve never met. But by the time we finish a good book, we often feel like we’ve formed an unspoken bond with the author.
These are the six books that have made a big impact on me, and I hope they help you as much as they’ve helped me. Do you have any favorite books that helped you overcome burnout? Drop them in the comments, and let’s start a conversation.
Happy reading! Happy holidays!
PS: It takes me hours to write each blog. If you enjoyed it, please let me know in the comments or send me an email. Your encouragement makes my day and gives me a reason to flex in front of my team! 😊
