What if true progress lies in the power of the pause?

We’re told that speed equals success, that the faster we move, the more we can achieve. But what if the secret to getting ahead isn’t about pushing harder or doing more? What if true progress lies in the power of the pause? In the quiet moments of reflection, in the deliberate choices to rest and recharge, where we can find the focus and lucidity that fuel real momentum. It’s time to rethink our approach to success.

Clarity through stillness

We’ve all experienced those lightbulb moments in the shower, during a walk in nature, or after a yoga or meditation class when we allow creativity and clarity to surface. Neuroscience tells us that we need to allow downtime for our brains to consolidate information and generate new ideas. Slowing down isn’t just about resting; it’s about creating the mental space for breakthroughs.

Following her own collapse from exhaustion, media industry leader, Arianna Huffington shared that “we think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in”.

Avoiding exhaustion for the long game

The 2023 Deloitte “Women @ Work” report provides insights into the real experiences and challenges that women face in the workforce, including issues related to stress, burnout, work-life balance, as well as workplace support. It specifically highlights the increased levels of burnout among women, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the evolving nature of work with more than 50 per cent reporting high levels of stress due to work-life balance challenges.

Burnout is a very real threat, especially for ambitious women balancing careers, families, and personal goals. Slowing down doesn’t mean losing ambition; it means protecting it. By setting boundaries and taking intentional breaks, we ensure we have the energy to sustain our momentum over the long haul.

Boundaries and the power of saying no

In the rush to get everything done, many of us fall into the habit of saying yes to every opportunity. But slowing down means learning to say no to the things that don’t serve you. It’s about giving yourself permission to focus on what matters most. When you’re selective, you have more time and energy for the things that truly move the needle.

It’s about putting better boundaries in place, summarised perfectly by Brené Brown, research professor and author, when she declared “daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others”.

Being more intentional

In a world that often equates hustle with success, slowing down can feel like a radical act. Yet, it’s in the moments of stillness, in the pauses we allow ourselves, that we find the clarity, creativity, and energy to truly move forward. Slowing down is not about doing less; it’s about doing what matters with intention and heart.

It’s about recognising that your worth is not measured by your level of busyness, but by the impact you make when you show up fully present. By embracing a slower pace, you give yourself the grace to breathe, to reflect, and to recharge – ultimately propelling you further, faster, toward the life and careers you aspire to build. So, dare to slow down. Because when you do, you don’t just move faster – you move forward with purpose.

Niamh Ennis is Ireland’s leading transformation coach, author of Get Unstuck, host of the Tough Love Energy podcast and lead coach with the IMAGE Business Club. You’ll find Niamh on niamhennis.com or on Instagram @1niamhennis.

Featured image via Unsplash.

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of IMAGE.

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