Why slowing down might be your biggest power move

When was the last time you truly had a moment to think? Not just a second between meetings, but real, uninterrupted time to reflect, strategize, and gain clarity?



If your answer is “I can’t remember,” you’re not alone. Harvard Business Review found that 39% of mid and senior managers say they don’t have time to pause and reflect.

And yet, we wonder why we feel overwhelmed, unfocused, and like we're always playing catch-up.

I get it—my 2024 was very go-go-go. I didn't have any time to pause and reflect, which made the whole year feel very intense.

That’s why one of my words for 2025 is spaciousness. I’m actively looking for ways to build more room to think, create, and just breathe. This shift is already helping me approach things with more intention and ease.

Here's the paradox: slowing down actually helps you speed up. More clarity. Better decisions. Less burnout.

Many of my clients are dealing with the same uncertainty and complexity. I'm often asked how to find clarity around your priorities when it feels like the world is spinning faster every day. Things are moving so quickly that they're struggling to help their teams, they're struggling to help themselves, and they're so overwhelmed that they find it difficult to make smart business decisions. This is why the notion of slowing down to speed up is so important.

But let’s be clear, creating space doesn’t mean wiping your entire calendar clean and moving to a cabin in the woods (unless that’s your vibe).



Small shifts can make a big impact:


✔️ Defer projects to another quarter.
✔️ Mute notifications after work hours.
✔️ Take five minutes to breathe and reset between tasks.
✔️ Schedule Monday morning to go somewhere where you're not distracted so you can plan your week.
✔️ Take ten minutes a day to stand up and stretch.
✔️ Silence notifications and flip your phone screen-down for a few minutes between meetings or during creative work.
✔️  Play one song you love between deep work and admin time. Dance, sway, or just listen.



These micro-moments of spaciousness add up, helping you regain focus and work smarter, not just faster. The best insights don’t come when you’re running on empty; they arrive when you make room for them.

I challenge you to try just one of these strategies today. Notice how it feels and any impact it has on your focus and productivity. And if you have your own way of making space to think, I’d love to hear it—shoot me an email and let me know!



Looking for ways to make a bigger change? These strategies will help you carve out that essential thinking time:​



🌟 Schedule Intentional Pauses: Block out short periods in your calendar dedicated solely to reflection. Even a 10-minute daily pause can lead to more thoughtful decisions and innovative ideas.

🌟 Change Your Environment: Step away from your usual workspace to gain a fresh perspective. A brief walk or a change of scenery can rejuvenate your mind and enhance creativity.

🌟 Ask Bigger Questions: Instead of focusing solely on immediate tasks, take time to consider broader objectives and long-term goals. This approach can provide deeper insights and guide more strategic actions.



Implementing these simple practices can help you transition from merely reacting to daily demands to proactively shaping your work and life.​

Slowing down to speed up is especially powerful during life transitions—when your energy shifts, but your ambition doesn’t.

That’s why Lauren Glazer and I recently joined This is Perimenopause podcast. Join us for our discussion on Uninterrupted: Your Career Survival Guide Through the Menopause Year to talk about how women can continue to lead, thrive, and influence through this life stage without sacrificing their presence or performance.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:

  • How to maintain your executive presence while managing symptoms

  • Why silence is NOT the best strategy (and what to do instead)

  • The "FLIP" method for having difficult conversations at work

  • Tools for advocating for yourself and others in the workplace

  • Our 4-phase framework to becoming “uninterrupted” in your career

You’ll also hear why we believe menopause can be a time of renewed energy, clarity, and growth—if we create space for it.

Click here to listen!

In a world that rewards speed, let’s not forget that clarity comes from space. You deserve that space, and you'll notice the difference in your clarity, decision-making, and overall well-being.

Together we unleash forward,
Salima Valji

If you want support in creating more space to slow down to speed up or if you're looking for more clarity and accountability, let's chat.

Previous
Previous

10 Career Truths No One Tells You (But I Will)

Next
Next

Happy International Women's Day!