Stillness, authenticity, and the hardest work of all

"Most of us are addicted to motion. We fill every moment because slowing down forces us to face what is really happening inside. Sitting still, truly being with yourself, can feel unbearable at first. It is uncomfortable, but it is also where truth lives. If you can sit quietly, even for a few minutes, you will start to hear what is real instead of what you are performing. That is the beginning of clarity."

"Because we have been conditioned to equate busyness with value. High-performing women often measure their worth by what they accomplish. The problem is that when you stop, you have to confront the question underneath it all: Who am I when I am not producing? I think a key concept is understanding who you are outside of your role. Many leaders do not know that answer, and that lack of separation between identity and achievement is what makes stillness so uncomfortable."

Stillness, even for a few minutes, enables leaders to hear what is real rather than perform. Addiction to motion masks internal realities and prevents clarity. Leaders, especially high-performing women, often equate busyness with value and measure worth by accomplishment. Pausing forces confrontation with identity separate from role and achievements. Lacking separation between identity and performance makes stillness uncomfortable. Small, regular pauses cultivate self-knowledge, authenticity, and clearer decision-making. Leading from purpose and truth yields deeper clarity and sustainable progress compared with constant pressure and nonstop activity.

Read at Fast Company