The Art of Pausing. When and how to stop?
“I need a change, and I need it NOW.”
A recurring thought for many professionals seeking new horizons. I’ve felt it myself many times—that mix of excitement and fear. However, those who have gone through a professional transition know that change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires time, mental space, and emotional readiness to be sustainable and effective. We live in a fast-paced world where change seems to be the only constant. When we feel that our job no longer fulfills us, the urgency to transform takes over, and the world around us insists that we must keep going or risk losing our time, relevance, and even our expertise. Everything moves so fast that even questioning whether this is true or not feels almost impossible.
And this urgency doesn’t only apply to those in traditional employment. For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and those responsible for creative or strategic projects, the pressure to pivot quickly or jump into the next thing can be even more intense. When you are your own brand or business, the idea of stopping can feel risky—even irresponsible. But the truth remains: no matter your profession, pausing is a crucial part of realignment and clarity.
1. The Cycle of Change: Closing, Transitioning, Beginning
Every professional change involves three essential phases: closing a chapter, going through a transition period, and starting anew. I remember the first time I decided to leave a stable job to start my own business. It was exhilarating but also paralyzing with fear. While we often applaud the bravery of those who leave the familiar in search of new opportunities, facing the unknown can be terrifying. We cling to the security of what we know because we've been taught that "better the devil you know than the devil you don’t."
However, taking a pause in the middle of that process is not a step backward; it’s a strategic move. Stopping allows us to evaluate, redirect, and prepare for the next leap with greater clarity and determination. I like to emphasize the importance of recognizing this transition phase not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth.
When to take a pause?
Many of us wait for a breaking point to stop. But ideally, we should pause before burnout, confusion, or disconnection take over. There might be more situation when is good to Pause, but here are some examples I experienced closely:
You feel constantly exhausted, even after a full night's sleep.
You’ve lost interest or joy in the work that once excited you.
You're making impulsive decisions or feeling reactive rather than intentional.
You feel disconnected from your values or unsure about your goals.
Your relationships are suffering due to your mental or emotional absence.
You’re craving change but have no clarity about what you want.
If any of these feel familiar, it might be the perfect time to create space and pause.
2. How to Create Space for Pausing (some TIPS!)
If you find it difficult to stop, here are a few practical ways to intentionally create space for rest, reflection, and reconnection:
Schedule it in your calendar: Block time in your agenda for doing nothing or for non-work activities. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen.
Start a hobby that requires commitment: Choose something you enjoy that involves others, a class, or a fee—something that holds you accountable.
Go offline—intentionally: Designate hours or full days without screens or notifications. Disconnecting helps quiet the noise.
Create a ritual: Morning walks, journaling, tea breaks—rituals anchor your pause into everyday life.
Say “no” more often: Protect your time by saying no to obligations that don’t nourish you.
Find your space: A corner, a park bench, a yoga studio—having a place helps your mind associate it with slowing down.
Work with a coach or therapist: A professional guide can support your process.
Rest before you're exhausted: Build in daily micro-pauses—five minutes between meetings, a mindful lunch, a short walk.
Try to put in practice:
Changing Perspective Through Values
One of the most powerful things you can do during a pause is reconnect with your core values. Values guide your choices and give you the confidence to act with clarity.Ask yourself:
What do I truly care about beyond my job title or achievements?
Which moments in my life have made me feel the most fulfilled, and why?
What values do I want my decisions to reflect moving forward?
With this clarity, you can shift your approach from "doing > having > being" to "being > doing > having."
First, ground yourself in who you are. Then, act from that place. What you achieve flows naturally from there.
I hope you find answers and inspiration in this small text.
With love, L.
