Take Time to Reflect

As we near the end of a tumultuous and consequential year, socially distanced and avoiding large gatherings, now is the time to begin to build a habit of reflection. At first it may seem strange to sit alone and ponder. It might feel counter-intuitive and counter-productive. What I’ve learned is that the discipline of reflection helps us assess and learn from the past and prepares us to better face whatever tomorrow or next year may bring. 

To reach our potential and be an effective leader, we must carve out time for reflection, for review, for insight.

Winston Churchill, the prime minister who led Britain to victory in World War II, often stole away during stressful seasons for quiet moments—just himself and his cigar.

For many years now, my practice has included waking in the early-morning hours—to sit, to pray, to think. I’ve found that if it doesn’t happen then, it doesn’t happen at all. Once I’m engaged in the day’s work, I tend not to slow down as the day wears on.

All the people of impact I know carve out time away from life’s hustle and grind to simply sit with their thoughts. They understand the value of replaying the tapes, of reviewing, of assessing, of solitude. Another thing they all seem to grasp? The practice of reflection cannot be rushed.

Rushing around like a headless chicken may be a way of life for some people, but it doesn’t have to be for you. I know this can be especially difficult these days, when some blinking, buzzing, chiming piece of technology is always close at hand, demanding our immediate attention. Reflection brings its own reward, but it requires putting distractions aside.

Back when I was in corporate life, I remember noticing that the higher I went up the ladder, the more pressure there was to make decisions for other people—and consequential decisions, at that. I learned to practice what I call a “pre-decision pause.” When I felt myself being pressured for a decision of significance, instead of rushing to judgment and blurting out a yes or no, I would say, very calmly and plainly, “I’m not ready to make a decision.” I would request the extension I thought was necessary—another hour, another day, another week—to come to a confident choice, and I would suggest we reconvene at that time.

Sometimes, I have felt great pressure to please people by answering quickly just because someone was waiting to hear. I’ve learned to take whatever time I need to make a wise and thoughtful decision. During that time, I seek guidance. I reflect. I think. I pray.