I used to think I was only being productive if I was doing stuff and taking action.
The thought of doing nothing just seemed like a waste of time.
And yet,
There were plenty of times when I'd hit the wall,
Completely drained,
Because I was constantly in go mode.
What would have helped me more was taking a moment to stop.
By stepping back,
I could have got a clearer view of what was really going on.
This would have given me the time and space to figure out my next move,
Instead of just staying busy.
I'm all for action,
However if you are heading in the wrong direction,
You're not really getting anywhere.
How about taking the time to pause?
Pausing might seem counterproductive,
However,
What if it is the one thing that actually saves you time in the long run?
So when you feel overwhelmed,
Stuck or unsure of your next step,
Take a pause.
It's a small action that can make a huge difference,
Giving you the breathing room you need to move forward with certainty,
Instead of just filling time.
Now pausing doesn't literally mean doing nothing.
It means taking time out for yourself to think and reflect.
Here's how you can use the power of pausing.
1.
Look at how far you've come.
The saying,
This too shall pass,
Is worth remembering when life gets tough.
In those moments,
Reflect on where you've come from.
Celebrate the progress you've made and obstacles you've already tackled.
This situation is temporary and you are far more capable than you think.
Give yourself the time to remember that you can handle whatever life throws at you.
It's about acknowledging the journey that you have already been on.
Knowing that there have been many high points and you have overcome the low points.
2.
Reassess your direction.
Sometimes we end up on a path that no longer fits,
Whether it's by accident or on purpose.
It's important to check in now and again to see if you're still heading where you want to go.
Changing course isn't always easy and in the short term it might feel even harder.
However,
Choosing the right path in the long run makes life feel easier.
As you know,
Life is not a straight line.
You don't start at point A when you're born and end at point B.
Life has a meander to it.
You can sometimes choose to go left,
You can sometimes choose to go right.
Occasionally you may choose to take a backward step and all of this will eventually lead you to progress forward.
So take the time to check in to ensure that you are still on the right path for you.
3.
Recharge when you need to.
When we're always on the go,
It drains us.
That's why it's crucial to make time to recharge.
Running on empty won't get you far before your body insists you stop.
If life is feeling a bit much and exhaustion is starting to take over,
That's your signal to be kind to yourself and to refuel.
You don't need expensive retreats or fancy getaways.
Find simple,
Everyday things that help you feel refreshed and give you time to breathe.
Self-care,
Recharging your batteries is a necessity.
Being exhausted will not help you live life or move your life forward.
Make self-care a priority.
4.
Step away to see clearly.
When you're knee-deep in it,
Sometimes the best thing is a distraction.
Giving yourself an opportunity to step away to do something completely different can give you a fresh perspective on your current challenges.
Figure out what easily takes your mind off things.
Maybe it's music or a hobby.
So you know what to turn to when life feels heavy.
It's that distraction,
That interruption,
That moment of freedom from whatever is challenging you in the moment that will help you to revisit the challenge with a clear view.
5.
Refocus on what matters.
When life feels like a whirlwind,
It's helpful to remind yourself of what really matters,
Like the people you care about and the things you're grateful for.
This can ground you and refocus your energy on what truly serves you.
Knowing what really matters in life puts life in perspective.
So pausing isn't about doing nothing.
It's about taking a temporary step back so you can make the best decision for yourself.
It's a chance to observe what's going on without getting swept up in the moments and the emotions.
This distance lets you see things more clearly,
Opening your eyes to opportunities you may have missed.
Pausing is what will ultimately help you move forward.
So I ask you now,
Is it time for you to pause?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
