UXL Blog

We live in a culture that rewards “go getters” and highly motivated people. We expect quick turnarounds and instantaneous results. Because of our fast-paced world, we tend to equate productivity with action. Send off a couple hundred emails, make advances in your project, attend that after-work networking event—all this activity can seem like progress and productivity…but is it?

Sometimes, work for work’s sake can actually be counterproductive. If, for example, you never pause to consider your trajectory, you might inadvertently head in the wrong direction (OR you might neglect to consider an alternative path you could take).

Additionally, if you never take time to rest and recharge, you may end up burning out. We all have a limited capacity in our “personal batteries.” If you’re barreling forward without the occasional pause, you risk depleting those reserves and being unable to perform at your best.

Taking time to sit still, reflect, and recharge can actually make you more productive in the long run. It allows you to gain perspective, identify areas for improvement, and come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. Embracing moments of stillness and contemplation can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity and achieving your goals.

Here are a few ideas to help you remember to pause, reflect, and perhaps re-strategize before moving forward:

Schedule Regular Reflection Time

Set aside a recurring block of time, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes, to pause and reflect on your progress, challenges, and next steps. This could be first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consider jotting your ideas in a notebook or a Google doc.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to help you be present and attentive to your thoughts and feelings. This can provide clarity and perspective.

Seek Outside Perspectives

Talk to a mentor, colleague, or trusted friend about your work. Getting an outside viewpoint can reveal blind spots or uncover new possibilities.

Take Breaks

Regularly step away from your work to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Even short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or engage in a hobby can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Embrace Solitude

Carve out time for solitude, whether it’s a quiet morning routine or an evening without distractions. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply allow your mind to wander without the pressure of productivity.

By incorporating these practices, you can create space for productive contemplation and self-reflection. This can help you gain clarity, identify areas for growth, and approach your work with renewed purpose and focus. Remember, true productivity is not about constant motion, but about strategically pausing, reflecting, and then taking purposeful action. Embrace the power of stillness to enhance your overall productivity and achieve your goals more effectively.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: intentional breaks and productivity, Margaret Smith coaching, Margaret Smith Twin Cities, rest and productivity, sitting still and productivity, sitting still productive, take break productivity