A few years ago, I coached a founder who lived by one rule: do, do, do!
He was a very smart guy, no doubt. Also ambitious, passionate, and deeply committed. Always on the move, always restless, always in action.
When opportunities arose, he didn’t hesitate. When challenges came his way, he didn’t hesitate. When pressure mounted, he didn’t hesitate.
He launched initiatives, reshuffled teams, and pivoted strategies. His instinct was always: do more, move quicker.
In the first few years, that instinct made him successful.
But over time, it became a liability.
Why?
He told me that pausing was not part of his DNA. Sometimes, he would not pause because he didn’t want to lose time. Sometimes because he couldn’t stand inertia. Sometimes because he didn’t know how. Sometimes because he feared he might not reignite himself or his team.
Deep inside, he knew it was wrong. But he couldn’t find a way out.
So, he pushed harder.
New products, new targets, new hires, and, and, and…
None of it addressed the root issue.
He didn’t struggle because of a lack of action. He struggled because he lacked the courage to do nothing. The courage to sit in the discomfort of not knowing. To hold still while something important becomes clear. To resist the reflex to fix what he hadn’t yet understood.
That kind of courage isn’t natural for most leaders. But it can be built:
⚠️ Redefine productivity: Recognize that strategic pauses can lead to more effective outcomes than constant action. A proven technique: Block 30 minutes every day for intentional stillness, with no agenda and no devices.
⚠️ Embrace discomfort: Understand that sitting with uncertainty can foster deeper insights and better decisions. A proven technique: When faced with ambiguity, wait 24 hours before deciding and write down what’s emerging in the meantime.
⚠️ Prioritize listening: Allow space for others to contribute, resisting the urge to immediately fill silences. A proven technique: In your next meeting, speak last and reflect back what you heard before offering your view.
⚠️ Value reflection: Allocate time for contemplation to gain clarity before making moves. A proven technique: Close each day by noting one thing you almost did but chose not to.
⚠️ Resist impulsivity: Challenge the instinct to act immediately; sometimes, inaction is the most impactful choice. A proven technique: Before responding to anything high-pressure, take a full breath, re-read, and wait at least ten minutes.
Sometimes, doing nothing is the most decisive thing you can do. More than ever, in today’s chaotic, non-linear, and extremely volatile world!
What is one thing you should stop doing today?
Wishing you a week full of productive action AND thoughtful not doing.
Best,
Andreas von der Heydt