Stop to Go: How Pausing Helps You Leap Ahead
Slow Down to Speed Up: The Hidden Power of a Well-Timed Break
Today, it feels like everyone is rushing to get more done. A recent study found that nearly 60% of adults feel they don’t have enough time to finish everything on their to-do lists.
People think being busy is the same as being successful. But what if the best way to move forward is to stop for a moment?
I learned this lesson in the military. As a young soldier, I thought hard work was the only way to improve.
One tough training day, my instructor told me, “Sometimes, standing still is the fastest way to go.” Back then, I thought he just wanted me to save energy.
Now, I see he was teaching me a valuable life lesson.
Why Pausing Helps
Stopping doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It’s about making sure you’re on the right path.
For example, I once worked on a big project that wasn’t going well. My team and I decided to pause, step back, and rethink our goals.
After adjusting our plan, we finished the project faster and with better results than if we had just kept pushing ahead blindly. Imagine driving the wrong way.
The faster you go, the more lost you get. Stopping to check your map isn’t a failure — it’s smart.
Our brains can’t work at full speed all the time. Without breaks, we get tired, make more mistakes, and lose focus. Taking a break helps us:
- Reflect: What’s working and what isn’t?
- Refocus: Are you spending time on the right things?
- Recharge: Rest gives you energy and fresh ideas.
As a project manager, I’ve seen teams push too hard and burn out. When we paused to rethink our plans, we worked faster and better in the long run.
Easy Ways to Take a Break
You don’t need a long vacation to recharge. Even short pauses can help. Here are some ideas:
- End-of-Day Reflections: Spend five minutes thinking about what went well and what to improve tomorrow.
- Mindful Moments: Instead of scrolling your phone, take deep breaths or go outside for fresh air.
- Scheduled Breaks: Block time on your calendar to rest. This isn’t wasted time — it’s how you recharge.
- Get Feedback: Ask someone you trust for advice to help you see things differently.
These small habits have kept me focused and energized, whether I’m working on a tech project or helping my family.
The Science of Taking Breaks
Studies show that taking breaks makes us more productive, creative, and better decision-makers.
A study from the University of Illinois found that brief mental breaks can improve focus by up to 40%. When you’re tired, your brain reacts without thinking.
A quick pause lets the part of your brain that handles planning and logic wake up again.
Athletes know this well. Rest days aren’t just nice — they’re necessary to get stronger and avoid injuries. The same goes for your mind and emotions.
Getting Comfortable with Pausing
Pausing might feel weird at first. Many of us think stopping means we’re lazy because we’ve been taught to equate constant activity with success.
To overcome this, remind yourself that rest isn’t wasted time; it’s how you stay sharp and avoid burnout.
But taking a break on purpose is smart. It helps you focus so you can make better choices.
When I left the military to work in IT, I wanted to say “yes” to every opportunity. But I quickly got overwhelmed.
By pausing to think before agreeing, I could focus on the things that mattered most.
Conclusion: Moving Forward by Standing Still
Pausing takes practice, but it’s worth it. The next time you feel stuck or tired, don’t push harder. Step back. Take a moment to breathe, think, and reset.
Like my instructor said, sometimes standing still is the fastest way to go.
What’s one area in your life where you could use a break? Start small.
Whether it’s a short walk, a quiet moment, or a day off, give yourself time to pause.
You might be amazed at how much you can achieve when you’re not always on the run.
Created with the assistance of AI Tools.
