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- Effectively Disconnected
I am writing this from Sunny Isles Beach in Florida and am reminded about this post from a couple of months ago that resonated with many. The message was simple: Growth happens in silence (not in chaos). In a world that celebrates hustle, being still can feel counterintuitive, even uncomfortable. But it’s in those quiet pauses (away from screens, meetings, and constant input) that real clarity begins. So, give yourself permission to disconnect.
Tip of the Week: In a world obsessed with speed, stillness is a power move. This week, we explore how intentional disconnection can sharpen your focus and fuel your growth.
[Side note: Speaking of disconnecting, I created a system to remain in control of the constant overflow of communication we receive daily at work. Check it out! It’s honestly the best system I’ve built: whether you're drowning in Slack, emails, or meetings, it’ll help you take control. Quick PSA: you get 50% off the course just by referring 5 people to this newsletter. Easy win.]
THE THEORY
Reflection turns experience into insight. Many benefit from the power of journaling as a reflection tool. A study from the University of Texas found that regular expressive writing improves mood, reduces stress, and even boosts immune function. When we pause to ask ourselves “What worked? What didn’t?”, we shift from reacting to learning. Whether it’s using a bullet journal, jotting thoughts on your phone, or doing a weekly review, these small acts of reflection compound into clarity.
Intentional pauses make us more creative. In Italy, the idea of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) highlights how rest can be meaningful. Neuroscientists call this the “default mode network,” a state our brain enters during rest, which supports problem-solving, memory, and creativity. Rather than viewing inactivity as wasted time, we can see it as essential mental maintenance. Disconnecting doesn’t make us less productive; it restores our capacity to think deeply and act wisely.
Stillness strengthens well-being. The Nordic concept of friluftsliv, or “open-air living,” encourages regular time in nature as a form of grounding. Scandinavian studies link this practice to reduced anxiety and greater life satisfaction. Stepping outside (without podcasts, texts, or inboxes) reconnects us with our own rhythms. Whether it's a silent walk or simply staring out the window, stillness quickly turns into awareness.
MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS
Reflection isn’t one-size-fits-all, you have to try different things. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many forms of reflection. I’ve journaled in notebooks, meditated, done voice notes on commutes, taken solo walks without any electronics, and lately created a custom GPT to talk to clarify my thinking. What I’ve learned is this: the method matters less than the intent. You don’t have to “do it right,” you just have to make space, and try different things until one sticks.
HOW TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE
Here are 7 small ways to disconnect with purpose (and reconnect with yourself). Pick one and start, if that doesn't work, try another one:
Bullet Your Thoughts: Start a 3-line bullet journal: What went well? What didn’t? What’s next? Consistency beats depth.
Walk Without a Phone: Leave your phone behind (yes, really). 10 minutes of quiet walking can do more than 1 hour of doomscrolling.
Ask AI: Ask ChatGPT to act as your coach. Talk things out. You’ll be surprised how many answers are inside you. Prompt: "Act as a world-renowned executive coach known for clarity, candor, and deep insight. I’m going to tell you about something I’m working through. Your role is to ask me powerful, reflective questions that help me clarify what matters and figure out my next steps. Don’t give advice, just coach me through questions."
Try Dolce Far Niente: Do nothing for 15 minutes. No agenda. No guilt. Stillness is a productivity tool in disguise.
Nature = Mental Reset: Take your next break outside, even if it’s just a balcony or open window. Nature is undefeated.
Create a Shutdown Ritual: End your day with intention - close your laptop, write tomorrow’s top 3, and step away. Start your evening, don’t just "stop working."
Set “White Space” on Your Calendar: Block one empty, unplanned hour per week. Treat it like a meeting with your future self, with no agenda, just reflection.
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