The Power of Pause: Why Slowing Down Can Accelerate Your Growth

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We’re all running. From one meeting to the next, from deadlines to dinner plans, trying to squeeze in a workout somewhere, maybe a quick scroll on Instagram just to switch off — except we never really switch off. Life feels like a never-ending checklist, and somehow, being busy all the time has become a badge of honour. 

But over the last couple of years, I’ve started questioning that. What if slowing down, even just a little, could help us grow faster — or at least better?

Why We Struggle to Slow Down

Most of us are wired to keep going. We feel guilty when we take breaks. If we stop, we think we’ll fall behind — behind what, though? It’s not like there’s a prize waiting for the busiest person at the end of the week.

There was a time when I genuinely believed that every minute had to be packed with something “productive”. No time to waste, no time to breathe. But honestly, that mindset led me to burnout more than breakthrough.

What Changed for Me

Somewhere along the way, I decided to just... pause.

I didn’t have a big plan. I just started taking a few minutes in the day to do absolutely nothing. No phone, no laptop, no noise. Sometimes I’d go for a short walk. Sometimes I’d just sit quietly with a cup of tea. It felt weird at first — like I was being unproductive. But soon, I started noticing something.

My thoughts were clearer. I could see problems for what they really were. I wasn’t reacting to everything instantly. I had space to think — and that space changed everything.

In business, those short pauses helped me make better calls. At home, it helped me be more present with my daughter, Naisha. And personally, it gave me breathing room I didn’t even know I needed.

Growth Isn’t Always Loud

We often think growth means doing more — reading more books, attending more meetings, chasing more goals. But sometimes, real growth happens in the quiet moments. When we’re not doing anything. When we give ourselves the chance to reflect, recover, and realign.

For me, slowing down doesn’t mean I’m less ambitious. It just means I’m more intentional. I still work hard. I still chase goals. But now, I choose when to push and when to pause. And that small shift has made a huge difference.

How I Make Room for Pauses Now

Nothing fancy. I don’t follow a complex morning routine or meditate for an hour. But I do these small things:

• I give myself permission to not respond immediately — to emails, to messages, and to decisions.

• I take short walks without my phone.

• I block 15 minutes in the day just to breathe, think, or stare out the window if I want to.

• I keep one day in the week a little lighter so I can think about the bigger picture — not just tasks.

These little pauses help me reset. They help me notice what matters and what doesn’t. They help me work better — not just harder.

Slowing Down with Kids

One unexpected thing I noticed — when I slowed down, so did my daughter. Kids learn by watching us. If we’re always rushing, they think that’s normal. But when they see us take time, ask questions, and just be, they feel safer doing the same.

Naisha often surprises me with her questions when we’re not rushing somewhere. Her curiosity comes alive when things are quiet. And that, to me, is a reminder that slowing down isn’t just for us — it shapes the world our kids grow up in.

Wrapping It Up

I’m not saying we all need to go live in the mountains or take long sabbaticals. Life is busy, I get it. But we can take small pauses — in our day, in our thoughts, and in our choices. We can give ourselves the space to reset.

Because in those small, quiet moments, we often find what we’re really looking for — clarity, energy, and direction.

So next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t speed up. Pause.

You might be surprised at what that stillness brings.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced the power of pause in your own life? What helps you slow down when everything feels like a race?

Share your story in the comments or drop me a message. Let’s start a conversation — sometimes, that’s the best kind of pause we all need.

And if you found this helpful, feel free to share it with someone who might be rushing a little too fast right now. You never know whose day it might change.