Thursday Tapestry: The surprising power of doing less & a dash of humor!

Hands up, minds open. This is what it looks like when leaders pause, reflect, and design the next chapter - whether for themselves or their organisations.

On average, people now check their phones 58 times per day, and human attention now averages just 8 seconds. Fast careers, constant notifications, endless meetings - momentum can feel like the only option. Yet the leaders I work with know this truth: progress often requires a pause. 

As a runner, I've come to appreciate that pushing too hard is in fact counterproductive. Sometimes we need to slow down to go further - whether it's a moment between thoughts, a deliberate career break, or simply allowing an idea to sink in.  

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Press Pause to Focus

“Sometimes you need to press pause to let everything sink in”

Sebastian Vettel

In racing, milliseconds can define a career. Yet even a four-time Formula One world champion recognises that pauses aren't wasted time - they're essential.  Pausing helps us notice what matters, integrate what we've learned, and prepare for what comes next. Try this: set a two-minute timer, breathe, and ask, “What’s important right now?”

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Rewire Your Reality: The Pause That Transforms

Neuroscientist Dr Joe Dispenza reveals that 95% of who we are runs on autopilot. When we interrupt those patterns - even briefly - we open the door to change. Listen in on his conversation with Lewis Howes on The School of Greatness podcast here.

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Pause to Fuel Growth

A sabbatical can be a deliberate strategy for growth, rather than a response to burnout. After 13 years as a strategy consutant, I took a three month solo adventure across South America. Not because I was depleted, but because I wanted to explore new horizons. This HBR article highlights how stepping away at the right moment can sharpen direction and fuel creativity. 

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The Break You Forgot to Take

Proof you might need a pause: forgetting the holiday you just worked through.

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Until next time - don't forget to hit pause once in a while… even the best journeys need pit stops.

P.S. Planning a conference, leadership retreat, or your own next chapter? I create keynotes, workshops, and communities that help you pause, reimagine, and take the next step with confidence. Let’s explore how. 

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