The Art of the Stop
People talk frequently about the art of the start, but I think it's the art of the stop that really sets apart success from failure. Yes, you need to know when to get up and get going. But it may be even more important to know when it's time to stop -- either temporarily or permanently.
Here are some key scenarios in which thinking about the art of the stop may be more important than ever to leading you to true success.
When you need a personal break.
Burned out? Overwhelmed? Not getting done what you need to do, and creating problems at work and home in the process? The answer for long-term success just might be a stop. At least consider the act of stopping as you weigh your options.
When your company or project needs to pause.
Is your company or project burning the candle at both ends? Can you take a pause from a specific contract? Or a general time out? Think about the art of the stop, and if that is right for where you are.
When someone on your team needs to leave.
Got a team member that may best excel elsewhere? Maybe it's time to stop lighting a fire under him with new projects, and instead think about how asking him to stop might be the best course of action.
When the company has wound down.
Is your company on its last leg, but no one is sure what is the next step? Think about how the art of the stop could inform your decision in efforts to make a smart choice for all involved.
Stopping is hard, but it's you can comfort yourself that -- usually -- it's easier than starting.
Is there something you need to think about stopping? Whether in your own life or in someone else's?
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For more from Claire, read her free ebook on how to better live in the present, check our her blog, follow her on LinkedIn, or find her on the Twitters via @claire.
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10yWhen it's just not working!!!
Multilingual IT Specialist
10yGreat lesson of the modern life
Business Development Manager at Innovation With Temptation Gallery
10yFrom time to time it takes somebody very special who thinks out of the box and who is wailling to make extraordinary sacrifices for a love of my Country the USA and try to repair the mess we are inhereting and as a Solider in my own way I will promised to myself and to God I will keep doing until the day I die. God Bless Us All And God continue Blessing the USA of America and the World. Thank You for this opportunity to express myself.
Senior Manager at BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Ltd.
10yIn a Short Stop is not only the Art,It is the Essence of renewed Velocity of a New Start...
unemployed at new hampshire
10yYou are right Claire, sometimes people just need to stop. I think that's where I am right now. On the other hand, I need to start as well. I haven't had a "real" job in, well, ever ... but that's exactly what I need to start, a real job and stop making my facebook page my international "project" ... Thanks for your article