Time Out
It’s hard to take time out.
Make it one of your top priorities as a leader. Time out of the day-to-day gives you space to think.
I hadn’t fully realized how daunting the incessant blinking of a cursor on a screen can be. Strangely, I don’t feel this anxiety when dashing off a late-night email—the kind we all know will be a source of regret the next day. But this feels different. I always knew that getting started would be the hardest part, like spinning a flywheel—challenging at first, but easier with momentum. Yet, with patience and a little indulgence in creating a “ritual,” the words are finally flowing. The blog is born.
This sudden outpouring of thoughts onto the page has been made possible by something I never expected—forced time out. I’ve lost count of how many leadership and productivity experts emphasize the importance of stepping away from day-to-day operations to gain perspective. But let’s be honest—who really has time for that? In today’s always-on work culture, stepping away from the details seems nearly impossible. If it does happen, it's usually late at night, at the expense of much-needed rest and recovery.
A Lesson in Taking Time to Think
Early in my leadership career, I remember a conversation with a senior leader who had a profound influence on me. He shared stories of the pre-smartphone era when business travel meant true disconnection. He would board a plane, vanish for weeks, and only be reachable by a desk phone, securely attached by a cable. He spoke about the invaluable thinking time those trips provided—the chance to process, reflect, and shape decisions rather than simply react to them.
In today’s world, connectivity is constant. Yet, the essence of his story—creating space to think—has never been more relevant.
Why This Matters Now
My own moment of forced reflection has come in the form of a two-week medical leave. It’s minor surgery—nothing to worry about—but it’s significant enough to require genuine downtime for recovery. This period has exposed the usual fears of stepping away: the loss of control, the uncertainty of what might unfold in my absence, and the feeling that I should always be “doing” rather than “thinking.”
But with time, I’ve begun to reframe this break as an opportunity—an opportunity to reset, challenge assumptions, and reassess the limiting beliefs that have crept in over the past two years.
And the results have been profound. With distance, I’ve been able to strip away the emotion that often clouds my judgment and see situations more objectively. I’ve gained clarity on projects that weren’t moving at the pace the business needed. I’ve recognized areas where I’ve succeeded—and, more importantly, where I’ve fallen short in supporting my team.
The real question now is: How do I integrate this kind of thinking time into my regular working life? Between being a parent, a partner, a boss, an employee, and a team member, how do I ensure this newfound clarity doesn’t fade away?
Making Thinking Time a Priority
I realized something crucial early on—it’s not external demands that prevent this time for reflection; it’s me. I am the biggest barrier.
If I had a train to catch, I’d leave the office on time. If I had a flight, I’d make sure I arrived at the airport well in advance. If my boss scheduled a meeting, I’d clear my calendar without hesitation. These commitments feel socially acceptable; they justify saying “no” to other demands.
So why shouldn’t dedicated thinking time be just as valid? This is the mindset shift I’m now working to embrace. My plan is simple:
Block out one hour a day on my calendar.
Treat it as non-negotiable.
Say “no” to meetings or distractions during that time.
And importantly—make sure it’s not during lunch.
A Message to My Younger Self—and Future Leaders
If I could advise my younger self, I’d stress the importance of carving out time to think before it becomes a necessity. The 24/7 business environment demands it more than ever. Without reflection, we risk burnout, information overload, and reactive decision-making.
The challenge now is convincing the next generation of leaders—those who are constantly pulled in every direction—to take this seriously. Society values speed and immediacy, pushing us to react faster and faster. But true leadership requires space—time to reflect, consider, and respond thoughtfully.
I was told this advice years ago, but I didn’t listen. My hope is that future leaders—those striving to be better, to master the art of leading others—heed this message. Taking time to think isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And now, more than ever, it’s time to make it a priority.
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Forbes: Five Strategic Questions to Help you Reflect