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In Today's Edition
Welcome back to The A+ Introvert.
Last week we talked about deep conversations. Today we add the piece that makes them stick: The Pause.
When the world yells “Answer now!” a short break helps you think first and speak better. Let’s see how.
Today’s Focus:
The Pause > knee-jerk answers.
Plan before you act.
Calm beats hurry.
Coffee ready? Let’s go.
What Mindful Leadership Actually Means
Mindful leadership isn't sitting cross-legged for an hour. It's the discipline to pause for 10 seconds before reacting. While others fire off hasty emails or make rushed commitments, you're creating space to think. This quiet leadership approach feels simple, but research shows it's one of the most powerful tools in your decision-making arsenal.
Why The Pause Works
Scientists found that tiny pauses activate the brain’s “default mode network,” which files memories and sparks insight.
A recent study showed a 10-second pause during study sessions led to stronger ‘recall’ and ‘problem-solving’ later.
That same network fires when your mind wanders in the shower! (no wonder great ideas pop up there).
Introverts naturally depend on on inner dialogue, giving us an edge: we pause, reflect, decide, instead of rushing and regretting.
Leadership research also links this habit to fewer errors and more accurate plans.
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
Viktor E. Frankl
The A+ Pause-Plan-Act Loop
This three-step framework is how mindful leadership works in practice. It transforms reactive moments into deliberate choices.
1. Pause (10 secs)
Purpose: Give yourself a moment to stop and check in before reacting impulsively.
How: Take a deep breath, count to 10, and mentally step back from the situation.
Why it matters: Pausing interrupts automatic reactions and gives you space to consider your next move.
2. Plan (2 min)
Purpose: Plan deliberate action following your pause.
How: Implement the response you decided was best during your planning step.
Why it matters: Planning with intention instead of intention makes you make better decisions and feel more in control.
3. Act (as needed)
Purpose: Take deliberate action based on your plan instead of relying on emotion.
How: Implement the response you decided was best during your planning step.
Why it matters: Acting with intention leads to better outcomes and control.
Mindful leadership through pausing works in real workplace scenarios. Here's how quiet leadership shows up when pressure hits:
Quick Proof
Scenario | Snap Choice | Paused Choice |
|---|---|---|
Email reply in anger | Burns bridges | Draft saved, tone fixed |
Rushed purchase | Buyer’s remorse | Need list checked, money saved |
Hasty project yes | Overload | Aligned with priorities |
Quiet Fuel of the Week
Type | Pick | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
Tool | The A+ Pause - Plan - Act tool. | Blocks alerts for 10–60 sec so you can think before acting. |
Read | The Pause Principle - Step Back To Lead Forward - Kevin Cashman | Shows breaks fuel creativity through mind-wandering. |
Watch | 20-min clip: “The Art of Pausing” | In his speech, David Blum tells his personal journey of his rollercoaster-life and reflects on how our high-speed culture can stand in the way of personal success and fulfilment. |
Pick one daily decision you usually rush (replying to email, choosing tasks, etc.).
Insert a 10-second pause (literally count to ten).
Write one line about how the final choice differed.
First reader to share gets a free 30-minute reflection session with me!
Thank you to everyone who replied last week and well done to the reader who won a free 30-min consultation call with me.
What’s Next
Beat Burnout: Big Results, Small Exposure.
Next week, we’ll break down how introverts can get a day’s worth of results without running their energy tank dry!
Final Thoughts
Take a calm ten-second pause. Your brain slows down, and you can think before reacting while others may still be panicking. This is mindful leadership in action—no fancy training required, just consistent practice. The more you use Pause-Plan-Act, the more this quiet leadership style becomes automatic.
Being calm and thoughtful beats rushing and shouting. That's the foundation of sustainable success.
— Steven