Leaders: What are you thinking?

There’s this tree in my neighborhood—a stunning one, shaped to perfection from being trimmed just right in its early years. It’s about 20 feet tall, with branches that cast the perfect mix of shade and sunlight. It’s got that magical, inviting vibe—one of those trees you could sit under all day, relaxing in the breeze, lost in thought, maybe lounging on your favorite blanket.

Ahhhh…

Some time back, this very tree inspired me to make a list of the things that are non-negotiable for me. As I reflected on what I truly want out of life, I quickly scribbled down eight things that came to mind. When I looked over the list, I was hit with a memory of my crazy corporate days, when I never had time to just think. I remember telling my husband, “I just want one minute to myself!” Just a moment to think about what I needed, what my team needed, what the company needed. An hour alone to think? That would’ve been a dream.

Looking back, I realize what I really craved was time to sit with my own thoughts instead of reacting to everything around me. As I mulled this over, I glanced back at my list—and there it was, plain as day. Number two on my list: “time to think and pray.” Wow. Clearly, this was important to me, even if I didn’t fully recognize it right away.

As leaders, we talk about the great thinkers of the world with awe, admiring how they have the time to think. But most of us treat that time as a long-lost luxury—something we’re no longer allowed to enjoy. Instead, we speed through meetings to get to the next one, toss around ideas in hopes someone else will make the call, and strive for consensus just so we can feel like we’re making progress.

But when we rush, we rob ourselves of the space to generate great ideas—ideas that align with who we are, what our organizations are striving for, and what we truly want to achieve.

I was meeting with some frontline leaders recently, and when the CEO asked me what I thought their main issue was, I said, “They’re not thinking for themselves.” They’re so busy checking boxes, trying to say the right thing, and pumping up their teams that they don’t have time to think about what really matters and what will truly “move the needle”.?

As a former executive, I know what it’s like to feel this way. A lot of us will take a vacation with the sole intent of clearing our heads. I know this was true for me. When on my hiatus I’d always hit that sweet spot around day nine of my vacation. This is when I finally felt rested enough to think clearly. Suddenly, I’d have all these ideas about where to take my team or how to tackle a big organizational hurdle. I’d feel crystal clear about what I wanted in my own life. It was like little rays of sunlight peeking through the leaves of that tree I love so much.

But then, just as my notebook started filling up with fresh ideas, it would be day ten —time to go back to "regular" life.

This past year, I’ve made it a priority to sit quietly with myself, and let me tell you—it wasn’t easy at first. I’d sit down, intending to dive into deep thinking, only to end up distracted by some random household chore. I even started wondering if maybe I just wasn’t wired to be a deep thinker. But then I listened to a podcast on mastering mindfulness and realized that stillness and reflection are skills—ones you have to practice.

So I began small, carving out time each day for thinking. Sometimes I’d journal or sketch to help clarify my thoughts. I also realized I didn’t need to be perfectly still to think. Some of my best thinking happens when I’m out for a run. That often sparks new ideas that I’ll come back and write down later. Morning coffee has become another prime time for thinking. There’s something about slowly sipping coffee while watching the world wake up that just gets the gears turning.

What I’ve learned is that different types of thinking are necessary for creating the best outcomes. For me, thinking happens during my centering and stillness moments when I set my intentions for the day, during my prayer time (which, for me, is separate from centering), while exercising, sipping coffee, reading, listening to podcasts, or diving into research. And then there’s the deep thinking that happens with my journal. Writing things down makes ideas real and helps me dream about the future. The key is to make it intentional and to do it alone.

I once worked for an organization that had a great practice of sending out materials before meetings so everyone had time to digest them and think on their own. When we came together, we brought our own thoughts to the table, and the ideas that came out of those meetings were incredible because people had the time to think. There’s a reason so many great leaders share that they have an intentional practice around prioritizing time for thought and reflection—it’s a cornerstone of success.

I’ve now come to realize the power of being a more thoughtful leader and person. Intentionally scheduling time to think has helped me build my coaching practice, add value to my consulting work, and serve my clients in the best way possible. And it’s had an amazing impact on my personal life. Now, I show up fully present, ready to serve everyone around me without feeling drained.

This has led me to a place where I’m now crystal clear on the things that are non-negotiable, which gives me a focused path toward living as my unapologetic authentic self.?

You might be reading this and thinking, “That’s nice for you, but I live in the real world, where my days are packed with back-to-back meetings and tons of personal obligations.” And to that, I’d say: You’re the leader of your own life. You have the power to hit pause. To peel back the layers of busyness and stop playing along with the idea that more meetings, more projects, and more hustle will get you where you want to go.

In chapter eight of The Busy Leader’s Handbook, Quint Studer captures the essence of this by saying, "When people tell me they need more time, I always say what they really need is more skill." He goes on to share that understanding when and where you do your best work is crucial to success, and that intentionally scheduling time for deep thinking makes all the difference.

So schedule intentional time to think … find a peaceful spot in nature, go for a run, listen to an inspiring podcast, or just sit with your cup of coffee.

Be still. Be Alone. Think.

And see what comes from deep within.

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Ellen is an executive thought leader and coach who is optimistic, energetic, and committed to serving and connecting others. As a former human resources executive her career has prepared her to coach leaders on some of the biggest business and life challenges. For over two decades, she's worked to champion others to be their best selves through new ways of thinking about human interactions, talent, leadership and life.?

Ellen believes the most successful people look at themselves through the lens of a whole person . To that end, she helps her clients learn to do the same so they can be their unapologetic authentic-selves in work and in life. ?

As a passion project, she runs a theatre company that performs live theatre in site-specific spaces with a mission to reimagine live theatre with innovative experiences that bring our community together.?