The Hidden Cost of Constant Change
I've been reflecting on the back-to-back conversations I've been having with leaders about every new change that is being thrown their way, not to mention AI adoption, shifting priorities, new operating models... the list goes on. Different companies, different roles, but at some point in almost all of the conversations there has been a moment where we've looked at each other with a common understanding and I've seen it in their eyes.
That look people get when they’re trying to think and the thoughts just won’t come. I can recognize it because I am no stranger to that feeling.
One leader, Pam - who happens to be a good friend of mine, finally said, “Heather, I’m not burned out. I literally just can’t think anymore.”
And I knew exactly what she meant. Because when change moves faster than we can process, we don’t lose energy first. We lose clarity.
We keep calling it burnout. But sometimes it's something quieter and more dangerous than burnout.
The loss of critical thinking.
When constant change keeps piling up without allowing it to be integrated and absorbed, leaders stop leading and start reacting. They lose:
🧠 Judgment
🧭 Discernment
🎯 Strategic focus
🤝 Patience
🪞 Confidence
Not because they’re incapable of these things but instead because they’ve had no space or time to think.
We cannot lead well without time for reflection even though many of us try to in this fast-paced world.
Neuroscience research shows us time and time again, that when we have no space or time to think clearly it leads to chronic stress, and chronis stress actually alters brain circuits that are essential for clear thinking and emotional regulation. When our brains get altered due to stress it's even harder to gain any type of clarity.
However, here are two quick, research-backed tips that you can start using right now to regain clarity and “make space to think”.
Try this easy reset once a day for the next week:
1) Pause your brain:
- Take several slow, deep breaths to trigger your body’s calming response and close or minimize all screens.
2) Step away for a minute:
- Give yourself a short, purposeful pause from what you're doing. Stand up, stretch, or step outside for a quick mental reset.
3) Clarify and decide:
- On paper write down the ONE decision that if made today, would truly make a difference.
- Ask Yourself: What is stopping me from making this decision right now?
- Write down only what’s essential for that decision. Cross out anything unnecessary to keep it simple.
Small, steady habits like this help protect your brain's ability to think clearly, even during times of high stress this small action can make a huge difference.
What I'm loving...
🌊 A human-approved tip / tool: 🛠
SimpleMind - I love the ability to just get everything out of my head and on paper (or screen) and this mind mapping tool makes it really easy to do just that (check out their free edition).
🌊 A Simple pleasure: ☕
As the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest has started, I love nothing more than to curl up under my heated throw and read in front of the fireplace in the evenings. I've been ending the night with a cup of Sleepytime Extra Tea and I've never slept better.
🌊 To Listen or Read :
If you haven't read it, pick up Greg McKeown's book, "Essentialism:The Disciplined Pursuit of Doing Less" or listen to it on audio. It's a great lesson in how to do more by doing less - and in this fast paced world we live in, who doesn't want to master that.
Before I go...
If this helped you breathe a little deeper, forward it to someone you know who's navigating change and carrying a lot right now.
Hit reply and tell me one thing you’re doing to help anchor you or your teams in times of change.
I’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Warmly,
Heather
P.S.
Back by popular demand, I'm opening up my small group cohorts soon - join the waiting list and get notified when I open up registration.
