Permission to Pause

the best thing you can do when under pressure?

Earlier today, a client arrived at his session frazzled.

When I asked what he wanted to discuss, he stared into the distance and said, “I’m not sure, I haven’t had a chance to think about it.”

Rather than rushing ahead or offering suggestions, I took a breath and said, “Okay... Permission to pause.”

It was like pushing a pin into a bubble - the pressure in the room instantly dissolved.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year—there are a ton of demands and voices competing for your attention. You’re juggling end-of-year events, mentally checking off your Christmas to-do list, and somehow still trying to keep business rolling.

All these pressures create a sense of urgency that lead you to increase your pace.

But rushing ahead at all costs often leads to poor results and a sh*tty headspace.

The antidote? It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the best things you can do in December (or any time you're under pressure) is to “pause.”

As Ceri Evans would say: 'Step back, and step up, before stepping back in.'

Two questions to reflect on:      

What benefits might you experience if you took 30 minutes to PAUSE, reflect, and reset before taking action today?

What beliefs prevent you from taking time to pause more regularly?