The Value of Reflection: How Pausing Can Propel Your Leadership
“Most leaders charge ahead like they’re racing the clock—but what if your greatest breakthrough is hiding behind a lounge chair and a glass of iced tea?” They miss the value of reflection.
Leadership often feels like acceleration is the answer. But after years of leading through chaos, I’ve discovered something far more powerful than momentum: reflection. It’s not about slowing down for the sake of it—it’s about stopping long enough to hear what your leadership is really saying. But what if the best way forward isn’t by accelerating—but by pausing? Reflection isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. In fact, the most effective leaders don’t just work hard—they reflect deeply.
The Cost of Not Reflecting
Have you ever looked back on a decision and thought, “If I had just taken five minutes, I would have done that differently”? We’ve all been there. When we operate without reflecting, we become reactive, not intentional. Our days fill up, but our purpose feels blurry and we don’t see the value of reflection.
We run the risk of:
- Repeating mistakes
- Ignoring our blind spots
- Losing touch with our values
- Burning out
Peter Drucker once said, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
Jesus Modeled It First
Even Jesus took time to withdraw and reflect. Luke 5:16 (NLT) tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” In the middle of a busy ministry, with people constantly in need, He stepped back. Not just to rest, but to align with the Father’s will.
We also see this in the life of Nehemiah. When the king asked why he looked troubled, Nehemiah paused and prayed before responding (Nehemiah 2:4). His moment of reflection brought clarity and courage—two essentials in any leadership challenge. In the middle of a busy ministry, with people constantly in need, He stepped back. Not just to rest, but to align with the Father’s will.
My Own Wake-Up Call
After four months of battling the chaos that followed a major data breach, I was running on empty. I had been working 16-hour days, 7 days a week, trying to solve security issues and rebuild trust.
Wendy and I had a wedding to attend in Houston, about three hours from our home outside of Dallas. I decided to book a couple of extra days at a local resort. On that Monday, our first full day there, I was physically and emotionally spent. Wendy soaked in the sun while I found shade, a good book, and a steady stream of iced tea.
That day of stillness changed everything. As I sat quietly, I began to reflect—not just rest. I saw both the mistakes I had made and the solid decisions I had stood by. By the time we returned on Wednesday, I wasn’t just rested—I was renewed. I had a clear path forward and a deeper sense of peace. Without that time of reflection, I would have burned out—and likely taken some people with me.
The Power of Reflection
Reflection brings:
- Clarity – It clears the fog so we can make wise decisions.
- Perspective – We see our actions in light of a bigger picture.
- Renewal – It revives us spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
- Growth – We recognize patterns, improve behavior, and become better leaders.
As Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
Practical Ways to Reflect
Want to make reflection part of your rhythm? Try this:
- End-of-day journaling: What went well? What didn’t? What did I learn?
- Weekly review: On Sunday night, review the past week and preview the next one.
- Sabbath reflection: Use part of your rest day to pray, journal, and reset.
- After-action reviews: After major meetings or projects, ask what should continue, change, or stop.
Final Challenge
Don’t just fill your calendar—fill your mind and soul. Reflection isn’t wasted time. It’s the fuel that keeps your leadership engine running strong.
Try just 10 minutes a day this week to reflect—then notice what changes.
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