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Move. Think. Rest.: Redefining Productivity & Our Relationship with Time

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A “creativity whisperer to the C-Suite” keynote speaker teaches how to harness the power of everyday activities to stress less and be more productive.

Natalie Nixon helps corporate leaders achieve transformative business results by applying wonder and rigor to their work. In Move. Think. Rest. she reveals how the best organizations allow the personal and the professional to converge at strategic moments, which often come when we step away from our desks and phones.

According to Nixon, it is this MTR (Movement, Thought, and Rest) framework—which allows for simple activities like going for a walk, daydreaming, engaging in more casual yet meaningful conversations, pondering questions about a challenge post-meeting—that is the best way to collectively revise, re-organize and re-energize our daily lives.

Nixon’s MTR framework will change the way you work, and it will do so without demanding that you overhaul your personality, adhere to a rigid protocol, or life-hack the liveliness out of your working hours. When you allow yourself to pause, unabashedly pay attention to your emotions and allow your intuition to guide you, then you achieve fluency, ease, and even greater productivity.

Move. Think. Rest. brings a unique perspective from a thought leader who’s optimized her creative background.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

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Published September 3, 2025

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About the author

Dr. Natalie Nixon Ph.D

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 10, 2025
firstly, i do kindly thank netgalley, grand central publishing and the author for this advance copy of this book.

it is set to be published september 2, 2025.

maybe i misunderstood the book or the goal but what i found was really just a book i don’t care for. i expected a forward minded book about staying productive, maintaining self care and how to comingle the two. what i found really didn’t give that for me.

it’s written very off and mechanically. i can see what the author is intending and even notes with how they use AI to offload some things. while this isn’t my favorite thing, i was willing to listen but as i read more of the book, some terms and phrases started sticking out to me as perhaps enhanced with AI or written with it. i of course cannot say for sure but this is the level of mechanical nature the book is written in. though i think the voice changes in major ways throughout, this is why i theorize or feel in my opinion like some of it was heavily polished with AI. there is some human written elements and u feel like the whole book gives a sense of vertigo because i never really find its voice. while i understand this is promoting a system, i still really struggled through a lot of this. it felt like reading a car manual. it lacked a level of human nuance i would like to read in a book. i think at the least something happened on the writing that left the book feeling just off. i really can’t express this more or enough, it simply was dry and strangely written with verbiage that rings odd to chose. the book goes from highly serious talk to referring to something as “weeny” in another paragraph.

at the end i glanced through the notes and attributions and was less then enthused to see tony robbin’s. while this is not the authors direct work, i would not support anything that man touches. this end note was enough for me to cement a heavy dislike of this book as a whole.
Profile Image for Bryan Tanner.
783 reviews225 followers
November 6, 2025
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Back-to-back meetings are burning us out; Dr. Natalie Nixon’s Move. Think. Rest. offers a clear MOTOR rhythm—Move, Think, Rest—that helps reclaim attention and creativity.

Executive Summary

Nixon reframes productivity around deliberate cycles that counter nonstop calls and context switching.

- Move — Use the body to prime focus and idea fluency.

- Think — Protect deep reflection to structure insights.

- Rest — Incubate and consolidate so decisions improve.

She translates MOTOR into simple , research-based habits: meeting buffers, walking 1:1s, pre-work reflection blocks, and visible rest rituals.

Review

Practical and well researched. The MOTOR cadence aligns with learning science and is easy to apply between meetings. Simple message, done well; not exhaustive, but immediately useful for calendars that never breathe.

Similar Reads

- Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang — strategic downtime as creative fuel.

- Deep Work by Cal Newport — guardrails for focused cognition.

- How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell — reclaiming attention from default busyness.

Authorship Note: This review was co-authored using a time-saving GPT I built to help structure and refine my thoughts.
Profile Image for Jung.
1,912 reviews44 followers
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November 7, 2025
"Move. Think. Rest.: Reimagine Productivity with MTR" by Dr. Natalie Nixon is a timely redefinition of what it means to be productive in the modern age. The book challenges the deeply ingrained belief that productivity is about maximizing speed and output, urging readers to embrace a more human, sustainable rhythm built around movement, thought, and rest - what Nixon calls the MTR framework. Her central argument is that creativity, focus, and energy don’t emerge from relentless hustle but from balance and awareness. In this new model, the goal isn’t to do more, but to create the right conditions for flourishing - conditions where work becomes fulfilling, ideas flow freely, and well-being supports long-term achievement.

The book begins by reframing productivity itself. For decades, society has glorified busyness as a badge of honor, equating visible effort with worth. But Nixon points out that our best ideas rarely come from marathon work sessions or endless to-do lists. Instead, breakthroughs happen when our minds are free to wander - on a walk, while cooking, or simply staring out a window. In those quiet, unstructured moments, the brain connects ideas that structured work often suppresses. This insight reveals a crucial truth: productivity is not about the volume of activity, but the quality of conditions that allow insight to emerge.

This perspective is increasingly vital in the age of automation and AI. As machines take over repetitive and analytical tasks, what remains valuable - and uniquely human - is creativity, empathy, and imagination. These capacities require spaciousness, not constant activity. Yet, most workplaces still operate under industrial-era assumptions, measuring worth in hours worked and messages answered. Nixon argues that this outdated model not only stifles creativity but actively contributes to burnout and disengagement. Hybrid work and digital overload have made the problem worse, blurring the boundaries between work and rest until both suffer.

To counter this, Nixon introduces the MTR framework: "Move, Think, Rest". Each element is a fundamental pillar of human productivity and, together, they create a balanced, regenerative system. Movement activates the body and awakens creativity. Thought sharpens the mind through reflection. Rest restores energy, enabling both to thrive. These aren’t luxury activities or wellness add-ons - they are the biological and psychological foundations of sustainable performance. The challenge is to deliberately weave them into the rhythm of daily life and organizational culture.

Movement, Nixon explains, is far more than exercise - it’s a gateway to creativity and clarity. The mind and body are deeply intertwined, and physical activity stimulates the brain’s ability to generate ideas and solve problems. Even the simplest movements - a short walk, stretching between calls, or standing to talk instead of sitting - can re-energize focus and unlock innovation. What matters is not intensity but intention. By paying attention to how often we move and where we feel physically stagnant, we can identify small opportunities to bring motion back into our routines. This can be as simple as choosing stairs over elevators or scheduling walking meetings.

Movement also depends on the environment and the culture around it. If workplaces implicitly discourage standing up or taking breaks, people will stay glued to their desks. But when leaders model active habits, such as moving during brainstorming sessions or encouraging employees to take breaks outdoors, movement becomes normalized rather than stigmatized. This cultural shift has tangible benefits: greater collaboration, sharper focus, and a more dynamic atmosphere that keeps energy circulating. In Nixon’s vision, movement is not a distraction from work - it is the pulse that sustains it.

While movement stimulates creativity, 'thinking' gives it form and direction. In an age of constant digital noise, deep thought has become rare and undervalued. Yet reflection is the soil from which genuine insight grows. Nixon stresses that pausing to think is not idleness - it is a vital phase in any creative process. The brain requires space to integrate information, make connections, and imagine alternatives. This is why moments of stillness - like journaling, doodling, or meditating - often precede meaningful breakthroughs.

She encourages 'inside-out ' work, beginning with introspection before collaboration. When we take time to process ideas privately, our contributions to group discussions become more thoughtful and substantive. Instead of reacting impulsively in meetings, we engage from a place of clarity. This balance between solitude and dialogue elevates both personal creativity and collective intelligence.

Creating environments that support thinking is equally important. Workspaces that include quiet corners, device-free zones, or natural light signal that reflection is valued alongside execution. These don’t require major overhauls - just small design cues that prioritize mental spaciousness. When organizations treat thinking as productive time, employees stop feeling guilty for pausing, and the quality of their work deepens. In Nixon’s model, thinking is the bridge between movement’s energy and rest’s renewal - it transforms scattered activity into meaningful innovation.

The third pillar, 'rest', is the one most neglected in modern culture. Rest has been falsely equated with laziness or indulgence, but Nixon reframes it as the foundation of sustainable productivity. Without rest, both the body and the mind deteriorate, leading to exhaustion, poor decision-making, and creative stagnation. True rest is not the absence of work - it’s the strategic renewal that enables future work to be meaningful.

Rest takes many forms. For some, it’s sleep or meditation. For others, it’s reading, gardening, or spending time with loved ones. The key is intentional recovery - identifying what activities truly replenish you rather than simply distract you. Nixon encourages developing a personal 'recovery toolkit ': short rituals, like deep breathing between meetings, evening screen breaks, or mindful walks, that restore balance throughout the day. Even ten-minute resets can dramatically improve focus and emotional resilience.

Organizations must also recognize that rest is not a private matter - it’s a cultural and structural issue. Workplaces that glorify overwork or penalize downtime breed burnout and mediocrity. By contrast, when leaders model healthy boundaries - logging off at reasonable hours, taking vacations, or openly prioritizing mental health - they set a powerful precedent. Structural supports such as flexible schedules, no-meeting zones, and mental health days reinforce the message that human energy is not infinite but invaluable. Teams that embrace these rhythms sustain high performance over the long term, rather than sprinting toward exhaustion.

The MTR framework ultimately calls for a holistic reimagining of productivity. Movement fuels creativity, thought deepens understanding, and rest replenishes capacity. Each element complements the others, forming a cycle that keeps both individuals and organizations thriving. By embracing this rhythm, we shift from extraction to regeneration, from burnout to balance. Productivity becomes less about squeezing output from limited time and more about expanding the quality of presence and engagement we bring to our work.

On a deeper level, "Move. Think. Rest." invites us to rediscover our humanity within systems that have long prioritized efficiency over well-being. It’s a call to treat our bodies, minds, and spirits not as machines to optimize but as ecosystems to nurture. When we honor movement, thought, and rest as integral to our daily lives, we tap into a steadier, more creative, and more fulfilling mode of being.

In the end, Nixon’s message is both simple and profound: productivity isn’t about doing more in less time - it’s about designing a rhythm that allows our best ideas, focus, and energy to emerge naturally. By integrating MTR into our days, we transform work from a grind into a flow, from depletion into vitality. "Move. Think. Rest.: Reimagine Productivity with MTR" reminds us that true productivity begins not with speed or effort, but with balance - the art of working like a human again.
Profile Image for Brian Honigman.
24 reviews12 followers
October 1, 2025
Taking the time and space to realign with yourself sometimes feels like a luxury during the workday, but Move. Think. Rest. made it clear that it has to be a daily priority. Dr. Natalie Nixon provides readers with permission to focus on ourselves in intentional ways that make us feel better, deliver more impactful work, and influence the bottom line.

I never thought there was a clear business case for resting or daydreaming during work and yet, it’s so clear from Nixon’s MTR framework that our well-being has massive impacts and implications on productivity and our professional contributions.

Filled to the brim with inspiring reframings on how we should address movement, thinking, and rest, paired with actionable strategies for implementing this process in small increments.

I recommend this to hard workers, leaders, freelancers, and business owners looking to win in their careers, but not at the expense of getting burnt out chasing outputs, hustle culture, and productivity theater. Read this to level up your approach to work and life in ways that are both tangible, inspiring, and push on established norms.
Profile Image for Tim Hughes.
Author 2 books77 followers
November 18, 2025
Move. Think. Rest. is a refreshing and timely reimagining of what productivity truly means. Natalie Nixon dismantles the outdated belief that success comes from constant busyness and replaces it with a more human, sustainable model built around movement, deep thinking, and intentional rest. Her blend of research, storytelling, and practical guidance makes the book both inspiring and highly usable. Nixon’s core message, that creativity is our greatest competitive advantage, feels especially urgent in a world where efficiency is increasingly automated.

What sets this book apart is its ability to shift your mindset almost instantly. Nixon invites readers to cultivate a healthier relationship with time, one that prioritises curiosity, reflection, and embodied wisdom. Move. Think. Rest. isn’t just a productivity book; it’s a blueprint for working and living with more clarity, creativity, and purpose. Whether you’re a leader, a creator, or simply someone seeking a more meaningful rhythm to your days, this book will change the way you operate.
Profile Image for Elisa.
Author 1 book38 followers
August 28, 2025
Got an advance copy ahead of being able to interview the author, and I really appreciated the book.

I like the scientific foundations for the suggested approach to creativity and productivity.

I like each chapter ending with specific exercises and suggestions.

I especially like way each chapter tells you how to apply to your own work as an individual, to how your team might benefit from this work, and how organizations as a whole can.

Super comprehensive and interesting, and well backed up with both use cases and science.
Profile Image for Tangled in Text.
857 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2025
Received this as a free review copy.

It’s one of those books that makes you realize you’re already doing so many of the things it talks about that’s it’s a good reframing exercise. It was a nice reminder that little things like team puzzle breaks or blocking out time to pause and reflect really do count.

I did find it leaned a bit heavy on outside research and examples, and I wish we got a little more of the author’s own stories in there — but overall, it’s such a thoughtful take on balancing creativity, focus, and rest.
1 review
September 13, 2025
I believe the framework in MOVE. THINK. REST. is the new playbook for productivity and creativity. If hustle culture has left you drained, this book will show you why movement, reflection, and rest are the real drivers of performance and innovation.

Seth Godin says: Natalie “helps you get unstuck and unlock the work you were born to do,” and after reading this book, I can say—he’s right.
1 review
September 10, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. I affirmed and gave me new ideas for ways I could better care for myself and be my best at work. I think it's essential reading for everyone battling burn out and the hamster wheel of work.
Profile Image for Brandi.
377 reviews21 followers
November 12, 2025
I was not a fan of this book, mostly because it felt like a work seminar on productivity. There was not much new information or hacks on how to manage better, but leans a lot on other research.

Thank you, Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.
1 review
September 21, 2025
Natalie has provided an inspirational roadmap for navigating the challenges of balancing and sustaining work and life with joy, bravery, and grace.
Profile Image for Cate.
88 reviews
October 16, 2025
Time to shift new ideas from this book and work on “Think” which is my weakest link. The nuggets are super helpful.
Profile Image for Steve Brock.
650 reviews67 followers
October 26, 2025
I have selected this book as Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 10/26, as it stands heads above other recently published books on this topic.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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