Optimized on Empty: How to Perform When Rest Isn’t an Option

Sometimes you feel so good...

you reach back to see if there's a cape.

But sometimes you feel like a zombie in khakis.

You know the drill.

The phone buzzes late.

The problem drops early.

The sleep barely shows up at all.

But the meetings are still on the calendar.

The sermon is still on Sunday.

And the people still expect you to be "on."

So what do you do when the tank is empty…

but the assignment is non-negotiable?

You optimize for the current situation.

Not perfectly.

Not forever.

But enough to get through the day without totally unravelling like a belt at the church potluck.

Here’s what I do that works in the crunch...

1. The Creatine Hack

Forget the bodybuilder stereotype for a second.

Creatine isn’t just for bigger biceps.

It’s also brain fuel.

New studies show that taking it in larger doses can blunt the effects of sleep deprivation on cognition.

Translation: your memory, focus, and processing speed don’t tank as hard, even if you pulled a short night.

Normal dose = 3–5g daily.
“Emergency no-sleep dose” = closer to 20g, usually split across the day.

It’s not a license to ditch sleep forever.

But when rest isn’t an option?

This is your secret weapon.

2. The Nap Caffeine Combo

This one’s simple:

• Slam a cup of coffee.
• Close your eyes for 15–20 minutes.
• Wake up right as the caffeine kicks in.

It’s like putting jumper cables on your brain.

No, it won’t make you invincible.

But it will stop you from forgetting your own name at 4 pm.

3. Light + Movement = Alertness

Tired?

Step outside.

Bright light + a brisk walk can reset your circadian system and get blood moving.

Five minutes in the sun will wake you up more than staring at your screen, praying the spreadsheet fills itself.

Bonus: you look less like the guy falling asleep in the pew.

4. Cold Exposure (a.k.a. “I Hate My Shower Now”)

One minute of cold water.

That’s it.

Norepinephrine spikes.
Focus improves.
Your body jolts awake.

Yes, you’ll hate me while you’re doing it.

But you’ll thank me when you’re back at the desk and your eyelids feel five pounds lighter.

5. Scriptural Reset (The Reframes That Save You)

The hacks above hit the body and brain...

These hit the heart and soul.

If the depletion has faces on it... reframe the Battle:

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood…” (Eph. 6:12).

That difficult person? Not your real enemy.

If the depletion has elbow grease on it... reframe the Work:

“In all labor there is profit…” (Prov. 14:23).

AKA, all work works. Even if it looks fruitless, it’s not wasted. God is working through it (and on you).

If the depletion has lack written all over it... reframe the Weakness:

“I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Col. 1:29).

His energy and power is present... and doesn’t run out.

Bottom Line

You can’t cheat biology.

Sleep is still king.

Recovery is still non-negotiable.

But when life doesn’t give you the luxury of eight hours?

You can still show up sharp, energized, and faithful.

Creatine. Caffeine naps. Light, movement, cold showers.

And the reframes that remind you God’s power is greater than your fatigue.

That’s how you get optimized on empty.

Because showing up with these hacks means you’ll preach like a pastor on mission...

Not shuffle in like the undead extra from a low-budget zombie flick.

More Resources To Help You Optimize

🥤Momentum Shake: The Complete Longevity Shake for Optimal Health

🎥 Sermon Shots: Repurpose Sermons Into Clips & Other Engaging Content in Minutes

💊 My (Scott's) full supplement regimen