When You Step Back and Stop Thinking, You Come Up with Better Ideas
Sometimes the best way to make progress is to pause, take a step back, and stop thinking so hard.
As someone who's written thousands of articles over the years, I've found that some of my best breakthrough ideas emerge when I allow myself to stop thinking.
We're often so focused on "progress" that we get stuck in a rut without even knowing it. We make incremental tweaks. And while there's sometimes value in that, it can also trap us in a cycle of diminishing returns.
In other words, we're so busy making tiny adjustments that we fail to see the 10X opportunities right in front of us... the quantum leaps waiting to be occur if we just zoom out and approach things from a fresh angle.
When was the last time you stepped back and really examined your environment? The people you spend time with, the places you frequent, the routines and habits that shape your days? As I love to observe, "Your environment always wins." If you're not consciously designing your surroundings, you may find yourself moving in circles instead of charging ahead.
Stepping back gives you the space and perspective to ask powerful questions: What energizes me? What brings out my absolute best? What do I really want... and what's the boldest, most direct path to get there?
Of course, taking a pause can feel uncomfortable. If you're someone who mistakes constant motion for progress, the idea of stopping—even briefly—might seem counterproductive. But remember, you can run forever on a treadmill without actually getting anywhere. True growth and evolution require strategic retreats.
So give yourself permission to step back and be still. Make room for those contrary ideas and alternative possibilities to bubble up. You don't have to act on every wild notion, but at least grant them an audience. Allow for surprises and plot twists.
After all, you never know what miracles are waiting to unfold when you give your racing mind a moment to catch its breath. Stepping back isn't a detour; it's often the most direct route to who and what you're meant to be.
**
If you liked this article, the odds are high you will love my 2025 Aperture career growth program. Just three of the eight spots remain available. Apply today .
Chief Copywriting Officer & CEO of CaringMessenger Copywriting/Christ-Centered/Upside-Down Eternal Lens Leadership| Foodie for Fun #YDHTCIA (you don't have to carry it all)
1 天前I love the adventure of a new plot twist or surprise. Keeps me on my toes. I look at things from an eternal lens and perspective. Thanks for sharing, Bruce.
Hospitality and Ski Industry Professional
2 天前Boom ?? This is everything Bruce - staying present helps too- love your wisdom!!!????
Educator & Engager in Diverse Communities through Da'wah efforts
2 天前As always, so beautifully stated. I just read similar advice about the sometimes self defeating effort of constantly 'tweaking' rather than opening yourself up to massive changes.
Investor and Transformative coach
2 天前Great article Bruce thank you. I have flown off the metaphorical treadmill and hit the wall more times than I wish to remember. I can’t say I am cured but the advice to allow myself to “lie back in the water and do nothing” assisted by my new meditation habit has really helped.
Elevate your leaders and unite your teams | Co-Author of Codevelopment Action Learning for Business
2 天前Bruce Kasanoff Love your your line, "But remember, you can run forever on a treadmill without actually getting anywhere." In our rush to jump from problem to solution, we often miss asking the right question.?Sometimes this question is just as powerful as the answer.