Wait for It! 7 Reasons Why Counting to 7 is Critical to Your Success
Regardless of the industry or workplace, we live in a fast-moving, overstimulated world where success is tied to achievements. We have deadlines and milestones to meet, team members to guide, managers to answer to, and that's just at work. At home and in our personal lives, we deal with countless other concerns that keep us moving intensely.
If left unchecked, this marathon pursuit of goals puts us out of touch with the people around us. Over time, we can find ourselves being irritable with others and speaking in tones that shut down avenues of trust and communication, leading to problems that interfere with progress, success, and connection.
So what can we do?
The demands on our time and attention require us to act quickly. We must promptly respond to every phone call and email, fix problems, and always have answers ready. However, slowing down to think before speaking or acting is a counterintuitive but potentially revolutionary concept that can significantly impact your productivity and morale. Mindfully slowing down can last anywhere from a few seconds to many days.
This behavior is known as “the Pause." Developing the ability to practice the Pause in our daily lives can make a significant, long-lasting impact on how we experience the world and connect with others.
Why the Pause is vital
As leaders, we may have advanced communication skills, but what is often overlooked in our training is how our emotional tone carries as much weight as anything else regarding interpersonal communication. For example, a snarky or irritated tone undermines effective communication with coworkers and loved ones alike.
The Pause can be done anywhere and in any way; you can do anything for seven seconds.
We are wired to be reactive. The amygdala, which controls our flight-or-fight response, evolved to sense danger; however, it can’t distinguish between a hungry saber-toothed-tiger and a demanding supervisor. And while that is great for surviving as a species, it’s far less helpful when it comes to having meaningful relationships. If we are not intentionally redirecting our energy, we may see threats everywhere and move through our worlds unapproachable and unable to connect with others.
The Pause can save you heartache and trouble. Even in heated moments when it is a struggle, we can at least turn the heat down by silently counting to seven before responding.
The Pause creates a safer environment for honest communication. When others see you leading by example, their respect for you grows.
Pausing teaches us about ourselves. What is the prevailing feeling when taking a moment before responding? Is it fatigue, hunger, or even loneliness? A clearer picture of what's happening inside our hearts and minds helps us understand our pain points.
The Pause can help others feel seen and heard, leading to increased productivity and success, but more importantly, it nurtures the people around you.
A beginner's guide to practicing the Pause
Tell yourself that you are "consciously interrupting unconscious habit" or something else that will distract your attention from what is activating your initial response.
Draw breath as evenly as possible as you silently count to seven
Listen to your body as you breathe: is there a need you want to address before proceeding?
Developing a helpful practice of mindful pausing takes time, but we can start immediately to wrestle more control over our tone and choice of words. With practice, pausing for seven seconds allows us greater control over our responses, which is a gift to ourselves, our teams, and our loved ones. As you develop the ability to pause for longer, the benefits will only grow, and you will have a valuable tool for taking time for yourself in a world designed to keep you moving. This is just one small tool to keep nearby while leading and setting an example. Contact Leadership Delta today to find out how you and your team or organization can continue to build on your skills and in turn increase productivity and a positive culture.