There is another way to view “slowed down moments of self connection" :  as a business tool.  In the book Executive Think Time, master coaches Ellen Fredericks and Val Williams observe that many executives spend less than 20% of their time in strategic thinking.  Kind of shocking!  What is a leader if not someone who looks at the big picture, visioning future goals and how to get there?  Fredericks and Williams distinguish Executive Think Time from a tactical focus on execution. We need both, of course, but carving out enough time for strategic thinking is mission critical. 

How do you know if you need more Executive Think Time?   Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been working harder, not smarter.  Bingo!  Some think time could help me get clear on where best to focus my energies for maximum results.  If you’re not planning more than a month ahead, slow down and think.  Part of a leader’s job is to look out 6 months, a year or more.  You’re steering the ship so you’ve got to see where you are going!

I heard a story once of an executive who spent 15 minutes every morning staring out the window of his office.  To the casual observer it seemed he’d just space out.  In reality this was his think time ritual.  He prepared for his day by slowing down, going inside and looking at the big picture.  It put the inevitable day-to-day fires and challenges in perspective — effective for making smart decisions and resulting in less stress.  Bonus! 

Executive Think Time isn’t just for senior managers, of course.  It applies to all of us, no matter which "chair we lead from."  Creating a think time ritual is another way to renew and re-energize and reconnect for the benefit of our whole life and those in it.

Challenge:  Create your own think time ritual.  Carve out some time to slow down and think strategically about a project, career issue or difficult decision you wish to make.  What is possible?