This past week has been full of reflection, fueled by two significant moments: time spent with my
men’s group and a quiet Sunday morning in church. Both experiences triggered some deep
reflection about navigating the constant motion of life, facing challenges, and seeking peace
amidst it all.
In my men’s group, we discussed how we handle the unrelenting pace of the world. We spoke
of work, family, and the pressures that constantly bear on us. One particular point we discussed
was how the Bible reminds us that life is full of struggle and that growth often requires walking
through painful moments. It’s a journey that’s not just about getting through the day but learning and growing in the process. These struggles are not unique but part of the shared human
experience.
Later that week, as I sat in church, I was struck by the concept of stillness—something so
elusive in the chaotic world we live in. It’s no secret that we’re always on the move, striving, pushing, and often feeling overwhelmed by the pressures we face. But what does it take to be still? How do we find calm? And more importantly, how can leaders create this stillness within
themselves and bring it into their organizations?
I found myself thinking about Jesus as a leader. Jesus understood pain and struggle intimately.
He didn’t shy away from the difficult moments; instead, He embraced them, knowing they were a necessary part of the journey. Right up until the very end, He faced tremendous pain, yet
found stillness, and was delivered away from the pain—not by avoiding it but by going through it
with purpose.
So, how does this apply to leaders? Leadership, much like life, isn’t about avoiding
the difficult parts. It’s about navigating them with grace, courage, and faith. True leadership
requires us to be still in the face of chaos, to find that inner calm that allows us to make
decisions with clarity, and to create an environment where others can also find that stillness.
Why should we try to be still?
Stillness allows us to recalibrate. It gives us the space to reflect on our values, our direction, and
the actions we need to take to grow. It also allows us to connect with a higher purpose and
recognize that, like Jesus, we are on a journey that includes struggle but leads to peace. The
challenge for leaders is to cultivate this stillness—not only within themselves but also in their
teams and organizations.
But the question remains: why should you, as a leader, strive for stillness?
1. Stillness brings clarity: Among the constant noise, stillness allows us to see clearly. It
helps us cut through the distractions and focus on what truly matters. Leaders who
cultivate stillness are better equipped to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive
ones.
2. Stillness eases fear: Fear often arises when we’re overwhelmed by the unknown.
Stillness, on the other hand, provides a moment of predictability, where we can breathe
and assess the situation with a calm mind. In that space, we can differentiate between
real dangers and those anxieties we’ve created in our minds.
3. Stillness fosters resilience: Just as Jesus demonstrated resilience through His
struggles, stillness helps leaders build the mental and emotional resilience needed to
lead effectively. When we take the time to be still, we restore our energy and can face
challenges with renewed strength,
4. Stillness enhances connection: As leaders, our ability to connect with others is very
important. Stillness allows us to be present—to truly listen to others, to understand their
needs, and to create deeper relationships. When we are still, we show up as our best
selves, encouraging others to do the same.
5. Stillness aligns us with our moral compass: Finally, stillness allows us to realign
ourselves with our values and moral compass. In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose
sight of what’s important. But in stillness, we can reflect on whether we are living and
leading in alignment with our principles.
Questions to consider
As you reflect on the idea of stillness in your own life and leadership, I encourage you to
consider these questions:
1. What brings you calm? Think about the people, activities, or places that bring you
peace. How can you incorporate more of that into your daily routine?
2. What drives your anxiety? Identifying the sources of your stress is the first step to
managing it. Are your anxieties based on real challenges, or are they self-created? For
my god fairing readers there is similar teachings here – 5-Week Reset with Jesus | Jai’s
Butter.
3. What is your moral and professional compass? Take a moment to reflect on your
core values. Are you leading in a way that aligns with those values?
4. What eases your fear and establishes predictability? Consider the habits and
routines that bring structure to your life. How can you use these to ground yourself and
those around you?
5. Is your anxiety real or falsely created? Finally, challenge your fears. Sometimes, our
anxieties are based on imagined outcomes rather than reality. Distinguishing between
the two can help reduce unnecessary stress.
Stillness is not a luxury but necessary for effective leadership and personal well-being. In these
moments of calm, we find clarity, build resilience, and connect more deeply with ourselves and
others. Leaders who cultivate stillness are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and lead purposefully. So, take a breath. Be still. And watch as the world around you changes, starting
from within.