Pushing “Pause” Can Change Your Life

During my life, I’ve held numerous positions and I’ve had a number of jobs. I’ve been a banker, business owner, city mayor, and pastor.  I’ve served on all kinds of boards and committees.  And, I’ve found there is one common thread that has woven itself through everything I have ever done.  That thread is busyness being considered a badge of honor.  The push to get more done is a never-ending pursuit to squeeze something productive out of every single minute of the day. And when a free moment pops up unexpectedly, the first thought that comes to mind is “what can I fill it with?”

I have lived in a busyness equals success culture for most of my adult life, and I don’t think I’m alone! As a Pastor, I have the opportunity to talk to a lot of people from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life.  I have counseled and coached more people than I can count that are simply filled with anxiety and stress because there is no margin in their lives. They are in a constant state of hurry and just don’t know how to stop the madness!  They are afraid if they slow down their productivity will suffer. So they come looking for help.

Here is my advice:   Simply … Push the Pause Button

You’re probably wondering what I mean by “Pause.”  Well, actually there isn’t one simple definition, because a “pause” can take a number of different forms.  A pause can be a short spontaneous pause in the middle of a meeting or project where you simply and intentionally disengage for a minute or so and take a few deep breaths and let your mind move to another subject.  Or, if you have the ability, take a short five-minute walk to a place away from your immediate environment and think about something other than what you are working on for a few minutes. If you can step outside on a nice day, that’s even better.  The point of the pause, whatever the length and wherever you can manage to pull it off is to simply give yourself some space to think other thoughts not related to the task at hand.

As a Pastor, a major responsibility of mine is to prepare sermons, which requires a lot of reading and time at the computer.  It’s not uncommon for me to get focused on the task of preparation and feel stressed by deadlines. (Sundays always come every seven days!)  As I work, it’s easy for me to feel stuck, get writers’ block, and lose any creativity I might have.  I have found that simply “pushing the pause button,” taking a short break and thinking about something not related to what I’m working on provides exactly the help I need to get back on track.  Taking a few minutes to pause and refresh actually increases my productivity.

Another good idea when it comes to “pushing the pause button’ is to intentionally plan to take a longer pause once a week.  This idea actually comes directly from scripture.  Exodus 20:8-9 says: 8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”

Now I’m not interested in a theological debate about what day constitutes the Sabbath!  But one thing is for sure … God created us and told us to take a day off and rest from our work.  As our creator, He better than anyone else knows that we are not created to be busy 24/7!  He knows that when we “push the pause button” we can clear our minds, release some stress and anxiety, and be more creative and productive.

So there you have it … give it a try!  Push the Pause Button …. you might be surprised just how much it changes your life!