One of the most important daily rituals for me is my morning meditation. For twenty minutes each day, I give myself permission to ‘just be’ – no distractions, no thinking and no doing. It’s been fifteen years since I started this practice, and although difficult at times, my life is immeasurably better as a result. Mediation is one of those disciplines that has to be experienced to be appreciated, but it’s impact is well documented – stress relief, inner peace, greater productivity and enhanced creativity. I’m now convinced that without it, I’ll never be able to tap my inner greatness. As entrepreneurs and leaders today, our responsibilities have never been greater, in fact, they’re downright daunting at times; and according to leadership maven, Kevin Cashman, the big question modern leaders should be asking themselves is “where is all that doing going to come from?” In his latest book – The Pause Principles – he proposes an unconventional way to get ahead. It’s Zen like wisdom that he’s acquired during the 30 years of coaching and developing leaders, and it’s the paradox of slowing down to get ahead. It’s become clear to Kevin that while “managers assert drive and control to get things done; leaders pause to discover new ways of being and achieving”. Here’s how pausing can accelerate your personal growth, impact on others and inspire a culture of innovation
