The Leadership Power of Pausing
You know that feeling right before a vacation? The anticipation of freedom—no deadlines, no carpooling, no endless to-dos. You simply spend time doing what fills you up.
Feels incredible, doesn’t it?
Now ask yourself this: Are you intentionally building those breaks into your life on a regular basis?
Here’s a powerful, often overlooked truth about high-performing leaders: they schedule their recharge time. They don’t wait until burnout hits to rest. They treat rest as a discipline – a core part of their strategy. Every 90 days, they pause. Whether it’s a full-blown getaway or a digital-free weekend staycation, they commit to stepping away with intention.
Why? Because rest isn’t indulgent. It’s intelligent.
Strategic Rest = Higher Performance
Intentional downtime isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about restoring clarity, creativity, and energy that leadership demands. Regular breaks sharpen your focus, expand your perspective, and reconnect you with what matters most—both professionally and personally.
A Wake-Up Call
I was recently at the waterfront and noticed a young family. The father was laughing with the kids, skipping rocks. A few steps away, the mother stood glued to her phone, eyes down, scrolling, missing the moment.
It reminded me of a client who told me her daughter drew a picture of her for the fridge. In the drawing, she was at the dinner table, on her laptop. That image was her wake-up call.
“Doing it all” is challenging. We’re there, but not there.
Presence isn’t about proximity. It’s about attention. And leaders understand the connection, how you show up at home impacts how you lead at work.
Ready to Recharge?
Start with this simple principle: every 90 days, unplug. If that feels like a stretch, plan two breaks a year and sprinkle in 24-hour mental resets in between. The key? Actually stepping away – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Need ideas? Here are real-life recharge moments shared by leaders I work with:
- Playing board games with family (phones in drawers)
- Volunteering for a cause that grounds you
- Reading fiction for pleasure
- A spontaneous solo day with no agenda
- Exploring new trails, cities, or countries
- Lunch on a patio with no devices
- Going fully offline for a week
- Midweek matinee just because
- Morning walks with your dog, unhurried
- Enjoying a leisurely coffee by the water
The result? They came back re-energized. Calmer. Clearer. Happier. They naturally led better because they made a choice to live better.
You’ve probably heard it before: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
The real takeaway: recharging is your responsibility.
Your Move
So, what would truly recharge you?
A family trip? A quiet retreat? A weekend without Wi-Fi?
Plan it. Protect it. Put it in your calendar and treat it like any high-stakes meeting.
And if you need permission?
Here it is: take the break.
The best leaders don’t just power through. They pause with purpose.
Ready to Elevate Yourself and Your Leadership Style?
At Authentic Leaders Edge, we help professionals like you develop a powerful leadership presence. Whether you’re leading a team or defining your personal brand, Dorothy Lazovik provides tailored coaching to accelerate your growth.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching can help you step into your full potential. Email today to get started!
