Take a Moment

We all struggle with taking a break because there is so much to do, even though we know the wisdom of the adage, the work will still be here tomorrow.

The truth is we know the work will always be there for someone to do. The question is: Can we let go of it? This is particularly so for those who are leaders, who feel they are responsible or have a commitment. It’s hard for them to put the pen down, or stop the action.

As we move into the new year, I encourage you to think about taking a moment to celebrate the successes. Take a moment to list one success each week — or each month. That would give you a list of either 12 or 52 successes for the year. Then select the one success that inspires you the most for the following year.

Also list one moment that you felt disappointed, or that you failed, and reflect on it. Moving forward into the new year take time to celebrate what happened at least once a month!

Take a moment — just to sit down and breath, take a look out the window or perhaps take a walk or a run, and think about something completely different from your daily tasks. Maybe consider a joke you heard, or the complexity of building a bridge! Or just nothing at all, perhaps listening to music.

Taking a moment helps many leaders I work with to reflect as well as to move forward and set goals. It allows you to clean your head from the fog of the work you are doing. When you are “in the zone” of work, it can be hard for you to see what others may see or hear.

Take a moment — it’s the opportunity to have a fresh look at what’s going on.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. Where in your day can you schedule a moment of reflection?

2. What tactics do you employ to step “outside the grind” for a moment of reflection?

3. What insights can you share about stopping to reflect?

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