Why Leaders Need Stillness to Thrive.

How I Channel My Creative Energy Through Stillness.

A few years ago, I found myself always busy, juggling tasks nonstop. The sheer volume of decisions, challenges, and responsibilities caused me decision fatigue and a lack of clarity most of the time. I felt overwhelmed by tasks that didn’t align with my vision for contributing to the world. I felt like a robot or a machine. 

I realized I wasn’t resting or fully enjoying my day because I was already distracted with thoughts about Monday. So, during a trip to the Swedish Arctic Circle, I stepped away from the chaos of daily life to appreciate the midnight summer sky, where the vast, silent landscapes invited me to be still.

These moments of stillness let me see things from a distinct perspective. It empowered me to take back control of my life as if my mind had been hacked. That realization made me reflect on how I invest my energy and how that affects my health and quality of life. Leadership involves not only action but also awareness and adaptability.

By tuning out the noisy, fast-paced setting, I was able to clear away distractions and the expectations of others. I began to see myself from within, rather than through the eyes of others. I acknowledged the importance of allowing myself time and space for stillness. These moments empowered me to take control of my life.

The overload 

The modern world celebrates the hustle culture. Our inboxes are overflowing with emails. Notifications require our immediate feedback. Meetings scheduled across various time zones invade our free time. The need to make quick decisions and the weight of responsibility create a relentless pace. 

As artificial intelligence reveals its capabilities, we need stillness to define the role we want to play in this process as humans.

Ironically, the more I push myself to keep moving without pausing, the more I risk losing sight of the bigger picture of my life and what matters to me. The techno-human-made world often pushes reactive decisions rather than strategic ones, allowing urgency. Over time, this cycle can lead to burnout, decision fatigue, and a loss of clarity. 

Stillness allows me to protect my sanity and critical thinking. This deepens my understanding beyond the surface level and prevents blind acceptance. It allows my mind to process information, prioritize my goals, and express my potential as a creative. 

“We are always reachable, which means that arguments and updates are never far away. The grind of work wears us down and seems to never stop. We are overfed and undernourished. Who has the power to stop?” - Ryan Holiday, Stillness Is The Key

The importance of stillness

What if stillness is the key to lead our lives with awareness and creativity?

I like to think of stillness as the internal space that stimulates awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Stillness to me involves creating space for thoughtful reflection, experiencing a burst of energy and making wise decisions. 

Stillness is often associated with serenity, while creativity is usually viewed as a messy and chaotic process. Yet, if we shift our view on creativity and consider David Lynch definition of it as "Stillness allows the mind to wander and imagine, which is the first step in creating something new." we can begin to understand the relationship between stillness and creativity.

Being still doesn’t imply that moments of genius will appear immediately, but it does enhance my ability to focus my thinking on a specific topic.

Researchers have shown that it leads to improved levels of insight problem-solving, which are those moments when everything seems to click into place. Still moments can enhance brain function, improve emotional regulation, and boost creativity. 

Several innovators in their lives have acknowledged the importance of stillness. For instance, Sarah Marquis or David de Rothschild, known for leading numerous expeditions, often emphasizes how immersing themselves in stillness and remote areas helps them disconnect from the noise of daily life and return with a renewed perspective. 

A timely aspect I found is Naoto Fukasawa's philosophy of "Without Thought". This concept emphasizes the importance of integrating stillness into our daily lives. Stillness fosters a sense of presence, allowing users to engage with products naturally and with ease. He focuses on experience over distraction, fostering effortless interaction.

Stillness enables me to live my life with focus, make thoughtful decisions, and respond calmly in challenging situations. By embracing stillness I can foster a more positive and adaptive environment.

In moments of stillness, I found the support I needed to stay sane and hold a clear sense of purpose.

Enabling Stillness 

According to a study from Harvard Medical School, those who prioritize stillness reap significant benefits. This study found that meditation can improve emotional resilience and the ability to respond to stress. It can also enhance our decision-making, spark innovation, and create empathy among peers. I don’t have to wait for these moments to happen. Enjoying stillness and unwinding the mind has become one of my regular priorities.

I began practicing stillness through outdoor running, travel journals, and meditation. It’s about giving my mind space, and nourishing my mental health. I started setting aside time. Instead of scrolling through the notifications on my laptop in the morning, I limited it to half an hour. I now use that extra time to take a walk in the forest. Another thing that has helped me is stepping away from my devices and enjoying a warm cup of Japanese green tea, like Sencha or Gyokuro, while not thinking about anything. 

Even a short walk in nature clears my mind in a way that nothing else does. 

The Competitive Edge of Stillness

Enabling stillness in my life gives me space for those hidden connections to rise to the surface, resulting in a higher level of awareness to notice those connections that you may otherwise have missed.

To create a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, AI-driven world, I need to pause to achieve breakthroughs and ignite ideas that move my life forward. Through stillness, I can make better decisions, feel inspired, and direct my energy with insight and awareness.

If we cultivate stillness, we don’t only endure uncertainty; we thrive in it. 

Stillness is not a luxury; it is essential for those who want to live their best lives and make a positive impact. For our mental wellbeing and for those around us. Will you embrace it?

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