The Case for Breathing and Thinking Space

Creating art teaches us to slow down, observe, and make sense of the world, even when it feels overwhelming. Similarly, leaders who prioritize stillness and reflection can better manage the chaos of a high-pressure environment. Research shows that people who take time to pause and reflect are more likely to make thoughtful decisions. A study from Harvard Business School found that workers who took 15 minutes at the end of their day to reflect on what they learned performed 23% better after 10 days than those who did not reflect . These moments of pause enable us to step back, view our work with a fresh perspective, and gain insights that would otherwise be lost in the rush.

An Artist’s Approach to Urgency As artists, we understand the need to step back, let things simmer, and allow our subconscious minds to work on problems even when we’re not actively engaged. This philosophy applies equally to leadership. In fact, the ability to step back is essential in periods when everything feels urgent. Taking a step back doesn’t mean neglecting responsibility; rather, it means engaging in deep processing—a concept akin to “deliberate rest.”

Leading Through Patience Leaders who embody patience can create environments where their teams are encouraged to breathe, think, and innovate. In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 63% of employees cited work-related stress as a significant factor affecting their mental health, with the main contributors being high workloads and urgent deadlines . Providing moments of patience and stillness can mitigate these effects, making space for real breakthroughs.

The Subtle Art of Doing Nothing In my work as an artist, some of the most profound creative insights have come not during periods of frantic activity but in quiet, reflective moments. These are the times when I stare at a freshly stretched blank canvas. This stillness allows thoughts to settle, connections to form, and new ideas to emerge. This translates directly to leadership; sometimes, “doing nothing” externally allows for a lot to happen internally. Teams need this breathing room not only to recharge but to process and generate ideas, solve problems, and come back to tasks with renewed energy and clarity.

Balancing Urgency with Reflection To navigate environments where everything is urgent and important, leaders can draw on their artistic patience and calm. It’s about finding that balance between action and reflection. Art demands we develop the capacity to sit with our work, observing and interpreting before we act. Leaders can apply this by setting aside time for team reflection, encouraging breaks, and cultivating an atmosphere where strategic thinking is valued over blind busyness.

The Strategic Advantage There’s a strategic advantage to providing breathing and thinking space. Not only does it improve mental well-being, but it also enhances problem-solving abilities and creativity. By infusing patience into the urgency, leaders can inspire their teams to not just survive under pressure but to thrive, bringing clarity and purpose to their work.

Ultimately, just as artists understand that patience and reflection are integral to creating meaningful art, leaders can see these qualities as essential to guiding their teams through the ever-present demands of the modern workplace. In embracing patience, stillness, and the subtle art of doing nothing, we can all find a way to succeed in the midst of chaos.