Why Every Leader Needs to Hit Pause

September has arrived, and with it comes that crispness in the air—a subtle change that signals more than just the coming of fall. This time of year feels like nature’s gentle reminder to slow down, reflect, and recalibrate. Maybe for you, it’s a time to solidify strategies, craft visions, and witness milestones beginning to take shape. Either way, I’ll ask: When was the last time you really paused—paused to reflect on where you are and where you want to go, both at work and in life?

I get it—most of us feel like pausing is a luxury we can’t afford. In our fast-paced world, busyness often becomes a badge of honor. We move from one task to the next, barely taking a breath. But here’s what I’ve learned:

The real strength of leadership lies not in how much we do but in the space we create to reflect.

So let me ask a different question:

What does reflection mean to you?

Take a moment to think about it. Reflection isn’t just a backward glance; it’s about taking stock of where you are, where you want to go, and aligning your path with what matters most to you. In my book, The Beautiful Mess, I talk about the importance of hitting pause—especially for those of us who are used to running at full speed. Because let’s be real: Even rockstars need a break.

A recent moment of pause brought me to this realization in my own life. Not too long ago, I felt pressured to attend a high-profile industry event. It was supposed to be a big deal, so I asked my boss what the expectations were.

The answer? I’d need to make a certain number of connections to justify the cost. So I dove into planning mode. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to make the event work—mapping out who I’d need to meet, researching the attendees, and strategizing how to turn this event into a home run for my team. Between the research, advance meetings, and the weight of scheduling time with all these contacts, I began to feel something all too familiar—the beautiful mess of overwhelm.

I was grateful for that feeling because, in the thick of the spiral, there was a moment when I stopped and asked myself, “Why am I fighting so hard to make this happen?” As I continued to reflect, it became increasingly evident that the event didn’t align with what I knew was best for me or the company. So, I decided to let it go.

I chose to pause.

And here’s the thing—what happened next felt like magic. A completely different event landed on my radar—one that I was genuinely excited about, with people I looked forward to seeing, and a topic that deeply resonated with me and has been a long-time a passion of mine (water technology). Not only that, but I’ll be staying with a close friend during the trip. In short, the event I needed to go to wouldn’t have been possible had I not cleared the path for it.

Pausing saved me time, potential stress, and led me to an opportunity that was better aligned overall.

Protect Your Peace Through Pausing

So, what does this mean for you? Maybe you’re not up for joining the volunteer task force for the board you sit on. Pass on that.

Perhaps the thought of adding extra commitments to your already packed schedule feels overwhelming. Guess what? You get to decide how much is too much.

Pausing gives you the power to protect your peace, ease into the fall with intention, and make decisions that reflect who you truly are.

How often do you give yourself the gift of clarity through pausing? I leave you with these final fall reflections:

• Creating space to reflect isn’t just about self-care—it’s a strategic leadership move that leads you to a more aligned and clear outcome.
• Consider what truly matters to you. Let that guide you, especially in your leadership journey.
• For big decisions, and even for the medium and bite-sized ones, ask: Am I taking the time to reflect on what I truly want, the people who inspire me, and the legacy I’m building?

When you pause to reflect, you are actively choosing to evolve. You pave the way to becoming a more inspired, connected, and resilient leader. Step into this new season with the clarity and courage you deserve. You’re worth it and you’ll be better for it.

If you’re ready to explore these reflections further and dive deeper into your leadership journey, I invite you to pick up a copy of The Beautiful Mess at www.kimkupiecki.com or reach out directly via LinkedIn.