What we’re thinking
The beauty of pressing pause
I’m a proud member of the tape-to-tape generation. No GarageBand mixes on an iPad for us! It was sitting in front of the radio on a Sunday evening capturing the top-40 on Radio 1 and trying to avoid Bruno Brookes talking over the end. I loved creating my own re-mixes on my Aiwa tape-to-tape stereo. Mix tapes to share with girlfriends. Compilations for different occasions. The unique extended Bidders remix – nothing quite like it! And there was always something special about pressing pause (never stop as that led to a clunky noise in the middle of the remix!) rewind, play, record, pause, rewind, play, record. That soft pause button always felt good.
And, the theme of pressing pause has followed me into my coaching and leadership development practice. In a world full of things to read, watch, buy, use, do it’s nice to just sometimes press that pause button. At this time of year there’s often a temptation to start making our to-do lists for next year; things we didn’t got around to doing last year, things to rectify, new opportunities that have arisen. So, even more important for us to press ‘pause’.
Find somewhere quiet. Some have a favorite coffee shop, some a park bench, some a walk, a run or a swim or cycle, some a music track to play on a busy train to get into a reflective space. And take a few minutes to press ‘pause’.
How was the last year?
High moments? Low points?
When did you feel most energised? Most tired?
Who supported you? Who have you supported?
Who challenged you? Who have you challenged?
Who inspired you? Who have you inspired?
And what do you want to take with you into next year? And what will you leave behind?
Enjoy holding that pause button…
And when you’re ready, gently release it and play your next track.
Andrew Bidnell is a professional certified coach and an experienced consultant who founded InsideOut Consulting in 2006. The focus is on leadership and communication and, in particular, the challenge of engagement – of self and of others – to achieve maximum impact and fulfillment. He has worked internationally with 1,000+ leaders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, always seeking to facilitate, challenge, support and unlock potential that lies inside an individual, a community, an organisation, and bring that strength, passion and knowledge out for maximum impact.