Strategically still: Why slowing down is the boldest move you can make.
She woke up tired…again.
Not because she was weak.
Not because she wasn’t doing “enough.”
But because somewhere along the way, she equated movement with meaning, rest with procrastination, hurried with productive. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re likely the kind of woman who gets applauded for how much she carries although, the question you secretly ask yourself is, “how much longer can I go on at this pace?”
Here’s a thought, from one sister to another: STILLNESS ISN’T A STEP BACK, IT’S A STRATEGY.
In a world that thrives on urgency, choosing to be still is one of the most radical moves you can make.
THE LIE WE’VE BELIEVED.
Somewhere along your path, you picked up a belief: If I slow down, everything will fall apart” or “I gotta keep going so I don’t loose momentum.” You’ve learned to equate rest with irresponsibility. Quiet with complacency. Stillness with stagnation. But here’s the truth that changed everything for me:
BEING STILL DOESN’T MAKE YOU LESS EFFECTIVE, IT MAKES YOU MORE ALIGNED.
God Himself modeled rest, not because he needed it, but to show us a rhythm of wholeness. You were not created to run on fumes! You were designed for sacred pauses.
STILLNESS AS A STRATEGY, NOT SURRENDER.
Let’s redefine what it means to be still. Stillness isn’t checking out. It’s checking in with your body, your soul and your God. It’s the moment you stop performing long enough to hear your own voice again. The breath you take before a big decision. The walk outside without your phone. The whispered prayer in the early morning when the world is still sleeping. This kind of pause doesn’t slow you down.
It grounds you. It clears you. It prepares you to lead with intention not impulse.
3 GENTLE WAYS TO BEGIN PRACTICING STRATEGIC STILLNESS…
If the idea of stillness feels foreign or even a little uncomfortable, that’s okay! Start here and give yourself some grace.
Start the day with silence- Before you reach for your phone, reach for your breath. Even 5 minutes of quiet whether sitting with a cup of tea, a verse or journaling, can re-center you Spiritually.
Schedule sacred pauses- Put 10 minutes on your calendar each afternoon where you pause, breath and do nothing. Protect that space like it’s your most important meeting of the day.
Ask better questions- End each week with this simple reflection:
a. What am I still carrying that’s not mine to hold?
b. Where did I feel most aligned this week?
c. What does my soul need more of next week?
Stillness is not a luxury. It’s how wise women lead well.
THE LEADERSHIP OF REST
If you’ve been leading from depletion, I want you to know this…You don’t have to earn your right to rest. You are allowed to stop. You are allowed to breathe. You are allowed to be deeply, intentionally, strategically still! The world doesn’t need more burned out brilliance, it needs women like you, rested, rooted and whole.
READY TO GO DEEPER?
If this spoke to you, i’d love for you to join me for the Strategically Still webinar, a 30 minute conversation about how stillness can be your sharpest leadership tool.
You can reserve your spot here:
Bring your tea, bring your heart and let’s be strategically still together.
In Joy,
Coach Dea
