Empowerment Through Re-programming Autopilot Behavior: Mastering the Art of "Doing Nothing" for Ambitious Women in Leadership

"Learning how to do nothing. Of course, I know what you're thinking – if I'm doing nothing, then what am I doing? Well, nothing is still something."

In a world that celebrates ceaseless activity and relentless pursuit, the concept of "doing nothing" might seem counterintuitive. As women in leadership, we find ourselves caught in a web of perpetual motion, a cycle where accomplishment is revered, and busyness is worn like a badge of honor. But let's pause for a moment to consider the immense power that lies within the art of "doing nothing."

Not long ago, I was having the conversation centered around attention spans and how it's decreasing yearly. Everything in the world of visibility is centered on how to get the focus of minds programmed to lose interest in about 5 secs. Wait, let me be more accurate. As of 2023, the average attention span is 8 secs.

You're told if you don't captivate people in that timeframe, then you're not doing enough. We treat ourselves like attention spans, especially when we don't have the life we want. Quickly we surmise, we're not enough. We must do more. Hey, I get it.. people are busy and bogged down with a lot, especially on social media. So, you'd better come with it if you're coming, so to speak. But instead of asking the right questions like; why are attention spans steadily decreasing? We'd rather attack ourselves to keep up.

Why do we do this ? It's partially because of the nature of our auto-pilot system established from inward and outward experiences. It's like no matter what you intellectually know in your conscious mind, your subconscious mind works in the background. It works like it should be in the driver's seat. Hiding itself in the fabric of your choices, emotions, mindsets, prospective.

Defining Autopilot Behavior and Its Impact

If we're really honest, as leaders, we can often find ourselves swept away by the currents of everyday demands, perpetually engaged in a cycle of doing without a moment to pause and reflect. This autopilot behavior, while seemingly efficient, can inadvertently distance us from our truest desires and aspirations. When our focus becomes solely fixated on checking off tasks from an ever-growing list, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture – our personal growth, fulfillment, and the genuine connections that fuel our passion.

The incessant drive to "do" can lead us down a path of what appears to be success, yet feels empty and unsatisfying. It's time to challenge this norm and cultivate a lifestyle that values both action and mindful contemplation. Now here comes the big question: How do we reprogram the un-beneficial autopilot behaviors?

The Art of "Doing Nothing"

"Nothing can allow the dust to settle, so you can really deepen your thought process and connect with what you really want."

Don't let expectation of achievement and on-ness be like the attention span, steadily becoming faster and faster, however, vital information is missed. I shutter to think what will it mean when we reach an attention span of 5 secs or lower. Needless to say, in this world, the concept of "doing nothing" is the very antithesis of society's programming. But it can be a radical act of empowerment and self-care. Remember who you are matters in your goals too. By deliberately creating a lifestyle of stillness, we grant ourselves the opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our innermost aspirations. This practice enables us to navigate through the noise, distinguishing between tasks that truly align with our vision and those that merely distract. And it also gives time for the truth to surface.. I say frequently, the truth is hiding under all that you're doing. For when we find the truth, we will also find transformation.

Perfect Your Nothing

To perfect the art of "doing nothing," consider the following steps:

1. Identify the Necessary

"Do the necessary things (write out what must be done)."

Begin by acknowledging your responsibilities and goals. Outline the tasks that genuinely contribute to your growth and the advancement of your leadership journey. This exercise in prioritization empowers you to distinguish between vital actions and trivial distractions. (if the lines are blurred, ask for help. Clarity isn't a solo job, it's the effort of you, community, and your value foundation)

2. Eliminate Excess

"EX out everything that doesn't require your immediate attention or none of it at all."

Embrace the power of saying no. Not every task demands your immediate focus or energy. By discerning what can be delegated or discarded, you create space for the activities that truly matter. Clearing away the clutter enables you to channel your efforts into endeavors that align with your purpose.

Our success is not solely defined by the quantity of tasks accomplished but by the quality of impact created. As ambitious women in leadership, we stand at the precipice of a remarkable transformation. By learning to pause, reflect, and recalibrate, we can break free from the confines of relentless activity, unlocking the true potential that lies within us.In our next edition, we're going to dive into how we can Rewrite Our Autopilot Script For Success.

Embracing the art of "doing nothing" empowers us to transcend autopilot behavior and forge a path of intentionality, purpose, and authenticity. In the coming months, let's commit to perfecting the art of "doing nothing" – a practice that will undoubtedly propel us toward a future of unparalleled success, fulfillment, and lasting impact.

Don't Forget to update me on your nothing... I am rooting for you.

Kemerlin Richards is a Self-Mastery Coach who helps women leaders thrive beyond skillsets and partners with forward-thinking organizations to build resilient, emotionally intelligent, and authentic leaders. She empowers women in leadership to make empowered decisions, cultivate authentic leadership, and embrace fulfilling lives and careers.

Kemerlin specializes in guiding women leaders to cultivate emotional intelligence, develop resilience, and tap into their authentic leadership style. Through her transformational approach, she helps clients overcome limiting beliefs, expand their self-perception, and take courageous action to drive positive change – both personally and professionally.??Click Link To Work With Her??

Kemerlin offers presentations and workshops tailored for organizations aiming to instigate positive change in leadership and work culture. These sessions offer strategies to empower women leaders to elevate themselves to higher levels of leadership. If you are looking to inspire your talented female executives to lead with confidence and create a significant impact, Kemerlin equips them with the necessary tools for personal growth, with engaging workshops and Key Notes.

Click the link to book a discovery call and explore how Kemerlin can support your organization in nurturing and propelling women leaders.??Request Your Discovery Call Today.??