EP.8 / Diving deeper into the untapped power of the pause
David Harborne | Redesign you Life | 4 min read | 5th september 2023
The all-to-familiar feeling of being stuck in autopilot
Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in autopilot, rushing through life without giving a second thought to the choices you’re making? We’ve all been there.
The pace of modern life often leaves us little room for reflection, as we’re continually bombarded with decisions to make, places to be, and tasks to accomplish. This whirlwind can easily lead us off course, making us feel disconnected from our core values and life’s purpose.
In this blog post, I will introduce you to a transformative technique I call The Power of the Pause. By the end, you’ll understand how a simple pause can help you redesign your life by making choices that align with your core values and ultimate goals.
So… why do we need to pause?
Let’s talk about the Battle of the Minds.
Our conscious mind is slower than our automatic mind. The latter often propels us to react impulsively, bypassing the rational thought processes that our conscious mind would typically employ. The emotional mind adds another layer of complexity, urging us to stay in our comfort zones and familiar patterns. Given this battle among these different facets of our mind, how can we make decisions that are in harmony with our inner selves?
a quick personal anecdote
A while back, I used to head straight for the sweet cakes at the bakery whenever I had the chance. But I knew I wanted to make healthier choices. One day, I took a moment to pause and explore other options. I ended up choosing a nutritious, spicy salad bowl that looked just as tempting. This pause empowered me to make an intentional choice that aligned with my health goals, and it felt amazing!
Ep.8/
Diving deeper into the untapped power of the pause
about the author. DAVID HARBORNE
HI, I’M DAVID
A coach and author who asks powerful questions to understand how we can redesign our lives for the better. I believe there’s no single solution for becoming more fulfilled and living a life of purpose; when we know ourselves better and what works for us, we can make better decisions and live a life we choose.
Know more about me, click here
references & related content
Kahneman, Daniel. “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.
Covey, Stephen R. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Free Press, 1989.
How to use the pause
Aligning with Core Values
The first step in using “The Power of the Pause” is to be aware of your core values and life’s purpose. Ask yourself, “What impact do I want to have on the world?” Knowing the answer to this question provides direction and meaning to your actions.
Practical Steps
1. Identify the Moment: Recognize situations where you’re about to make a potentially significant decision.
2. Pause: Give yourself a few seconds or even minutes to breathe and reflect.
3. Align: Think about your core values and how this choice aligns with them.
4. Decide: Make your decision, now backed by reflective thought.
🔺Take home message/insight
So, When Was the Last Time?
When was the last time you made a choice without being influenced by emotions or automatic behaviors? This pause doesn’t have to be lengthy; even a few seconds can make a massive difference.
Conclusion
Life’s challenges often make it difficult for us to stay aligned with our core values and long-term goals. The Power of the Pause offers a simple yet transformative tool that can help you regain control. By pausing to reflect before making decisions, you create the space needed to choose more wisely and intentionally, leading to a life that’s more in sync with who you truly are.
Your Next Step: Embrace the Change.
If David's vision resonates with you and you're feeling the tug to take charge of your destiny, don't hesitate. Whether you're looking for one-on-one coaching sessions or just want to delve deeper into the world of life redesign, you can explore more at David's website.
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FAQs about The power of the pause
Is pausing always practical?
While it might not be feasible to pause in every single situation, developing a habit of pausing can significantly benefit you in the long run.
What if I make the wrong choice even after pausing?
Remember, the idea isn’t to eliminate mistakes but to make more intentional choices. Mistakes can be great learning opportunities.
How can I remember to pause?
Setting reminders or alarms can be a helpful way to incorporate pausing into your daily routine.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to redesign your life for the better. Make sure to stay tuned for more tools and techniques in my upcoming posts. Until then, take care and keep redesigning your life intentionally!
