It's more than a cup of coffee
My experience on Capitol Hill reminded me how important it is to advocate for ourselves and keep pushing forward. But in the midst of these uncertain times, coupled with our busy lives, it is more important than ever to know when and how to pause and put everything aside, even if just for a moment.
As small business owners, we are constantly on the move. There is another email to send out. A proposal to review. A team member requiring your attention. The budget needs adjusting.
What would happen if we took a pause for a few minutes during the day?
Sounds simple, right? Well, as someone who moves at a million miles per hour, I can understand how difficult it can be. Slowing down has never been my default mode, and pausing can feel counterintuitive when you’re wired to chase the next thing. That’s why it stuck with me so deeply when I saw a different rhythm of life in action. This lesson didn’t come from a leadership book or a business seminar, but from my own family across the pond who live a life that isn’t centered around constant motion.
My dad is from Norway, and we still have family there. The 13th generation of our family is living on the original family farm. I can remember visiting when I was very young and feeling like I was being dragged from one home to another just to watch my parents have yet another cup of coffee with yet another member of the family. “How do people drink so much coffee in one day?”
Norwegians love coffee. Strong, rich coffee. Anytime of day or night. But it’s rarely rushed. It’s not a “necessary” caffeine boost to get them through the day. It’s a chance to slow down, savor the moment and reconnect with the present. And as they sit around a table enjoying each other’s company, somehow everything else can wait.
On a couple of recent trips to visit my Norwegian family, we spent a lot of time around a table loaded with fish, meats and sweets, drinking strong coffee and enjoying a spirited conversation for hours. These wonderful moments usually happen only after a strenuous hike and some knife throwing (yes, for real!).
I get it now. And, I go back each time wanting more of it.
So what will happen if you take a moment today? Everything will still be there when you return to it. And if you truly savor the break and embrace the connection and conversation with another person, you will return with an energized sense of calm. There is real magic that comes from taking a pause, no matter how long, to reconnect with others. And, the coffee helps too!
Touch Grass, or Snow
The Scandinavians have a good sense of balance—work, life, health and happiness—which is rooted in their love of the outdoors. My Dad was born with cross country skis on his feet, and one of his favorite things to do was to “ski way out” and make a little fire to roast hot dogs on a stick. In its simplicity, this brought him so much joy.
My Dad was a small business owner and like all of us, he worked tirelessly, seven days a week. I never remember my dad taking a day off. Ever. But now looking back, I can identify so many times when he took a pause and savored a moment. I can picture him, one foot up on a boat trailer, cup of coffee in his hand, having a lively conversation with a customer. There are other times when I saw him put his tools down and go for a walk. Often, carrying a cup of coffee as he disappeared into the woods.
He got it. I guess he always had it, though. He was born with it.
As business owners, it’s hard to allow ourselves time to find balance. Like pausing for coffee, finding our balance is about small and simple moments of joy, not complicated chunks of time. What brings you joy? Is it standing up from the desk and walking out into the fresh air for a few minutes? Or is it a stroll down to the local shop? It might be just putting your feet up on the window sill behind your desk and looking at the mountains for a minute (bring a cup of coffee, grab the window sill to the right, and join me!).
Find your moment, do it and savor it, if even for just a minute. Your draft emails will be right there waiting for you when you return, and they will look a lot less overwhelming.
And when you do have a little more time, maybe this weekend, go ahead and discover your own way to “ski way out.”
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Remember, these moments can happen anywhere!
A couple pictures I found of my dad taking a pause.