In today’s culture of urgency and constant forward motion, pausing can feel like failure. For leaders especially, there’s an invisible pressure to always be visible, decisive, and in motion.
But here’s the paradox:
The best leaders are not those who move the fastest. They are the ones who know when—and how—to stop.
The pause is not weakness. It’s wisdom.
It’s where clarity forms, courage deepens, and decisions strengthen.
Let’s explore… why the pause button might be the most underused leadership tool of our time—and how using it well can transform not just your leadership, but your life.
The illusion of constant motion
It’s easy to mistake busyness for effectiveness. Our calendars fill up, our inboxes flood, and the dopamine rush of “getting things done” becomes addictive. Yet, many leaders quietly admit to feeling:
- Unclear about direction
- Disconnected from purpose
- Tired in a way that rest alone can’t fix
What’s often missing isn’t more effort—it’s space.
And space doesn’t come automatically. It must be chosen.
What pausing really means
Pausing isn’t just stepping away from tasks. It’s a strategic slowing down to:
- Reflect before reacting
- Reconnect with your “why”
- Reevaluate what matters
- Restore emotional and mental energy
Great leaders don’t fear the pause. They build it in.
Three kinds of pauses that shape strong leadership
1. Daily micro-pauses
Brief moments to breathe, check in, and reset.
Examples:
- 5 minutes of silence before the first meeting
- A short walk between calls
- Journaling one reflective question at the end of the day
These are not luxuries—they are mini recalibrations that prevent emotional buildup and reactive leadership.
2. Weekly or monthly retreats
This could be half a day off-site or even just an afternoon away from notifications. The purpose is to step out of the whirlwind and see the bigger picture:
- What’s working?
- What’s off-track?
- What needs to end?
- What’s emerging?
Without this kind of intentional pause, leaders risk drifting—often without realizing it.
3. Seasonal or annual sabbaths
Even one full day or weekend a quarter of deep rest, reading, prayer, or nature can be renewing.
Some leaders plan “think weeks” or solo retreats once a year to dream, pray, and write.
These pauses don’t slow down progress—they protect it by helping you lead from groundedness, not grind.
The inner benefits of stopping
When leaders pause, they reconnect with:
- Purpose: Why am I really doing this?
- Perspective: What are we missing in the rush?
- Presence: Who am I becoming as I lead?
Pausing also improves emotional regulation, empathy, and decision-making. It helps leaders respond with wisdom rather than react from stress.
But what if I don’t have time?
This is the most common resistance—and the most telling one.
If you can’t afford to pause, it might be time to re-examine the pace and structure of your leadership. Over-functioning is not a badge of honor; it’s a risk factor. Long-term impact comes not from doing more, but from being more grounded in what you do.
The leaders people remember and trust are not just efficient—they are present, reflective, and human.
Practical ideas for integrating the pause
- Start your week with 15 minutes of planning and prayer/reflection.
- Block off one “white space” hour each day. No meetings, no calls. Just thinking, reading, or writing.
- Hold quarterly personal retreats. Go somewhere quiet. Reflect on what’s giving life—and what’s draining it.
- Use “end of week” reviews. What went well? What did you learn? What needs attention next week?
These rhythms protect your energy and elevate your insight.
Wisdom lives in the quiet
Great leadership is not about always having the answers. It’s about creating the space to ask better questions.
The pause is where you meet your truest self. It’s where insight speaks, alignment returns, and vision clarifies. It’s where tired leaders become wise ones.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
— Anne Lamott
So be brave. Press pause. The future can wait a moment—your wisdom is worth it.
DREIESKIVA|Roald Kvam 
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