When was the last time you gave yourself a break from the day to day activities that consume you at work? I work with a lot of busy executives and many of them find it difficult to stop, pause and take a break from the action.
One of the reasons it is so difficult is that your neurological pathways are hardwired on doing; working long hours, responding to every email and accepting and completing every request that comes your way. If you are not careful this behavior could lead to burnout, hitting the wall, and/or evaporate your confidence. All of which could derail your job, career and even your relationships.
If you find yourself feeling these things or you have already hit the wall, I highly recommend reading a book called PAUSE by Rachael O’Meara. It is one of the most important books I have read, and it is for everyone who wants to integrate giving yourself permission and time to take a PAUSE or a break from the action.
O’Meara defines PAUSE as “any internal shift in behavior that allows you the space to create a mental shift in attitude, thoughts or emotions that otherwise would not have occurred.” When we PAUSE we begin to sense subtle messages that tune us into what we truly want in our lives. PAUSING takes us out of autopilot (how we react and respond to our daily activities) so that we can stop going through the reactive motions of the day and be more intentional about our presence, our being, our relationships and the outcomes we create.
PAUSING can be as simple as a five-minute walk outside, breathing deeply before an important meeting, or it can be an extended time spent un-plugging from your digital devices. PAUSING is an intentional behavior. It is taking the time and space to slow down and really listen to your inner voice; to adjust and align your behavior and actions that will help you lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life at work and home.
I was asked to work with two highly skilled leaders who were burned out, frustrated and have received feedback from their bosses they are unaware of their thoughts, emotions and behaviors that are negatively impacting their work with others. From the work we are doing, both leaders are using Pausing tools and techniques to help with their well-being, their presence and how they are interacting with others.
One has committed to simply PAUSE and use breathing techniques throughout the day to calm and center so that interruptions and requests from others don’t hijack their responses in a negative way. The other is PAUSING and becoming aware of her emotions and understanding what is triggering her and how her emotions impact her thinking and behavior. The work she is doing is allowing her to be more intentional about her behavior by showing up as a resourceful and engaged leader.
If you find yourself hitting a wall or being caught up in the whirlwind of life and unable to keep your feet firmly planted, give yourself permission and space to PAUSE. You will be better for it.
Lead Well.
If you are wondering how I can help you PAUSE and take a break to fulfill what you want, send me an email and let’s set up a call to discuss. Wait to send me a note until after October 1st since I will be PAUSING by un-plugging from my devices for two weeks.
Helping leaders and their organizations grow is my passion.