The Pause: Finding Strength in Stillness
Working on Self: A Journey of Mental Strength
Self-growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s not a lightning strike, it’s a process. And like any process, it has stages, moments that test us, shape us, and ultimately build the person we’re becoming.
Sometimes, though, growth doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from pausing.
The Story
As a runner, I love the push—the all-outs, the grind, the next mile. But I’ve also learned that if I never pause, I break down. Recovery is where the growth actually happens.
It’s the same in life and leadership. Before a big meeting, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a breath. After a setback, the wisest move isn’t rushing into the next thing; it’s sitting still long enough to process.
On Sunday, our preacher from South Africa reminded us how negativity fills the mind when we never slow down. And even a podcast echoed the same truth: clarity comes in the pause.
The Framework: Practicing the Pause
- Stop. Interrupt the pattern, step away from the noise.
- Breathe. Use your breath as an anchor to reset.
- Choose. Respond with intention, not reaction.
Stillness isn’t weakness. Its Strength is under control.
The Bigger Picture
The pause isn’t wasted time; it’s invested time. It’s where we recover energy, find clarity, and make better choices. High performers, athletes, leaders, even SEALs, know that resilience is built as much in rest as in action.
Strength is not just the ability to move fast; it’s the wisdom to pause when you need to.
Question for you:
When was the last time you slowed down enough to find clarity?