There’s a classic 1986 martial arts movie called No Retreat, No Surrender starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as the bad guy. It’s all about grit, determination, and pushing forward no matter what. The hero fights, stumbles, and eventually triumphs, because quitting? Not an option.
It’s a great motto for movie montages and maybe a solid mantra when you’re in the middle of a 5 a.m. spin class. But in real life? Especially for leaders, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and moms?
No retreat, no surrender will burn you out.
Sometimes, the strongest, smartest, most courageous move you can make is to retreat on purpose.
The Case for Retreat: Why Time Away Is Non-Negotiable
Tony Robbins doesn’t just recommend vacations—he calls them immersions. Why? Because when you fully step out of your normal environment and into a space that’s intentionally designed to help you reset and learn something new, you don’t just “relax” (which, let’s be honest, most people are terrible at doing from their living rooms). You transform. Tony’s most transformational event is a 10-day event called Date with Destiny that consists of 12-16 hour days. I dragged my husband to this event in 2023, and it changed our marriage in all the best ways. In many ways it saved us.
When you immerse yourself in something different, whether it’s a marathon event, a wellness retreat, a solo adventure, or a weekend of deep reflection, you allow your brain, body, and spirit to hit the reset button. You give yourself the chance to hear your own thoughts again, reconnect with your deeper values, and come back stronger.
In fact, studies show that taking intentional breaks away from work and your daily routine can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve heart health
- Increase creative problem solving
- Strengthen relationships
- Prevent long-term burnout
And unlike the hero of No Retreat, No Surrender, you don’t need to fight to the bitter end to prove your worth. You just need to know when to bow out and book the Airbnb.
Though be mindful that a “vacation” alone may not do it for you. I recently wrote about a family vacation we took (a full week at an amazing resort in Mexico) and I was so burned out that I was barely present the first three days. I was so tapped out that all I could do was lounge poolside. While this is great, it doesn’t FEEL great when that is all you have energy for.
Why Most People Don’t Retreat (and Why You Must)
The modern hustle culture makes us feel like stepping away is weakness. There’s always another email, another deadline, another project that just can’t wait. But here’s the truth:
If you don’t step away, you will step down—whether it’s from exhaustion, illness, or losing your love for the work you once adored.
People don’t avoid retreats because they don’t need them. They avoid them because they:
- Feel guilty investing in themselves
- Worry everything will fall apart without them
- Think rest is unproductive
- Can’t imagine taking that much time “off”
If this is you, I have two things to say:
- Everything you are trying to hold together will actually hold better when you’re holding yourself better.
- Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement.
What Happens When You Actually Retreat
When you give yourself permission to step away, magic happens.
You gain perspective. From a distance, the mountain you’re climbing might actually look like a hill. Problems that feel like emergencies start to shrink in size. You start to see new paths you couldn’t have noticed while you were knee-deep in the grind.
You build resilience. Rested humans make better decisions. They solve problems faster. They bounce back quicker. You don’t become resilient by pushing through. You become resilient in the recovery.
You rediscover joy and connection. Whether it’s meaningful conversation with fellow retreaters, awe-inspiring scenery, or simply remembering what it feels like to breathe without a deadline, you come back to what matters.
Three Actionable Ways to Take a Retreat (No Martial Arts Required)
You don’t need to fly across the world or book a six-week sabbatical to start. Here’s how you can take an immersive break that actually moves the needle for your health and happiness:
- Start with Micro-Retreats
Block a full day or weekend just for you. No work, no errands, no home projects. Go to a local spa, rent a cabin, or even stay home but unplug entirely. Immersion can happen in small doses. - Book an Actual Retreat
Whether it’s my upcoming wellness retreat or another that calls to you, put something on the calendar that pulls you out of your routine and surrounds you with people who are also investing in themselves. The structure and shared energy amplify your growth. - Commit to Intentional Time Away Annually
Build this into your life. Whether it’s a personal tradition, a girls’ trip, or an annual solo adventure, make stepping away part of your operating rhythm, not a last resort.
Your Call to Action: Retreat with Me (Or Anywhere That Sparks You)
If your nervous system is screaming for a timeout…
If your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open…
If you’ve been living by the No Retreat, No Surrender mantra for a little too long…
I invite you to come retreat with me.
My 1-day retreat is specifically designed to help leaders, caregivers, and ambitious professionals like you step away, recharge, and come home to themselves. No spreadsheets, no endless to-do lists, no pretending to be fine when you’re running on fumes.
You don’t need to wait until you’ve “earned” it.
You don’t need to apologize for needing it.
You just need to say yes to yourself.
And if it’s not my retreat? Find one that lights you up. Whether it’s yoga in Costa Rica, hiking in Sedona, or a silent retreat in your own backyard, just don’t buy into the myth that pushing through is the only path forward.
Because sometimes the bravest thing you can do is exactly what the 80’s movie told you not to: Retreat. Surrender.
And watch yourself rise. I can’t wait to see what your most energized version comes up with! No more showing up as a shell of ourselves.
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And if you are too burned out and overwhelmed to even begin to use any of these strategies it might be time to get some help. Find a coach, therapist, or doctor who can help you reverse out of the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms of burnout so you can get back to living in life you love.
Remember, Self-care isn’t selfish…it’s required!
Yvonne Lee-Hawkins, IPHM, is a holistic Leadership and Wellness coach, stress strategist, and writer, who spent 20 years in corporate and leadership functions while also being a wife and mom of three amazing kids. You can find out more on her website, or follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Medium. If you want some help beating burnout and all that comes with it, schedule a call here.
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