#293 Look at this…. No look at that… what about this….

Have you ever noticed that when everything speeds up around you, your best thinking slows down? Wisdom Wednesday tackles the counterintuitive power of stillness in a world obsessed with speed.

Speed without clarity is just a faster path to burnout. That's why this episode explores how stillness – strategic pausing – can transform your decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Despite what our hustle culture suggests, the most powerful leaders know when to create space between stimulus and response.

I break down three practical ways to cultivate stillness amidst chaos: scheduling literal silence (just five minutes can change your day), practicing the "power pause" (one breath before responding), and asking better questions that shift you from reaction to wisdom. These simple but profound practices create the bridge between merely reacting to pressure and thoughtfully responding with your best thinking.

This isn't about being passive. It's about making the deliberate choice to slow down so you can see clearly when it matters most. The most strategic leaders understand that stillness isn't weakness – it's the birthplace of discernment, wisdom, and breakthrough thinking.

Where in your life are you rushing when you should be reflecting? What decision today deserves a moment of stillness before you act? Share your thoughts by leaving a message or sending an email to aaron@growthinstigators.com. If your team is stuck in reactive mode, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call. Together, we can transform pressure into purposeful leadership.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Growth Instigators
• 0:27 Stillness as a Power Move
• 0:57 Three Ways to Practice Stillness
• 1:28 Today's Challenge and Key Takeaway
• 2:24 Call to Action and Closing

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Look at this. No, no, look at that. What about this? Oh, look here. How about that? What do you do when everything feels urgent but you still want to be thoughtful? Welcome to message 293 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. Let's dive into today's insight Wisdom Wednesday.

Speaker 1: 0:27

Stillness is a power move In a world that rewards speed, stillness can feel lazy, but here's the truth Speed without clarity leads to burnout. Stillness gives wisdom space to speak. This isn't about being passive. It's about choosing your response instead of reacting to pressure. When chaos hits, most people move faster, but the wise ones they slow down to see clearly.

Speaker 1: 0:57

Here are three ways to practice stillness in the middle of noise. Number one schedule silence. Put five minutes on your calendar literally to sit in silence. No phone, no input, no music, just space. It feels inefficient, but it's often the most productive five minutes of my day. Number two practice the power.

Speaker 1: 1:18

Pause Before responding to that text, that email or tough conversation. Take one breath, that's it. That breath is your bridge from reaction to wisdom. And here's the last way to practice stillness in the middle of noise. Today, ask better questions. Stillness is not about just being quiet, it's about inquiry. Try this what's really needed here, or what's the wise move, not just the fast one. Here's what I. Try this what's really needed here, or what's the wise move, not just the fast one. Here's what I want you to do today. Pause and ask yourself where am I rushing, when I should be reflecting, and what decision today deserves a moment of stillness before I act. Stillness is not weakness, it's strategy, and it's often the birthplace of your best leadership.

Speaker 1: 2:08

Thank you for calling Growth Instigators Hotline. I'd love to hear from you. Leave a message after the beep or send an email to aaron at growthinstigatorscom and let me know where do you feel pressure to move fast and what helps you reclaim your clarity. And also one more thing If you like this hotline like I do I really like it then may I call you my advocate. That's right. Spread the news to 1, 2, 5, 15 people in your phone book. Let them know about this call and if your team is stuck in reactive mode and needs help slowing down to regain direction, I'm here for that. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let's schedule a free discovery call and, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do.