One of our favorite maxims is, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” While we find this to be largely true, there are times when being alone can help you go far. But the irony is, you actually have to slow down.
As leaders, it’s important that we get clear on the difference between isolation and solitude. Yes, we are built for community, and there are a lot of upsides to being in deep, authentic relationship with others. In fact, having a spirit of togetherness is one of CTLF’s core values. But there are times when being alone produces results and breakthroughs that cannot be achieved in the company of others.
Throughout history, great political, social, and religious leaders have regularly withdrawn from the hustle and bustle of their normal routines seeking clarity and rejuvenation that only comes from time spent alone. Beginning with George Washington and continuing to this day, “…all U.S. presidents have sought refuge from politics and the constraints of the White House by escaping to seaside homes, cabins in the woods, and other havens.”
Perhaps now more than ever, with our world embroiled in social and political conflict, international tensions, and social media fanning the flames, we could all benefit from some alone time away from the constant bombardment of stimuli. What breakthroughs might happen if we were deliberate and made periodic times of solitude a priority in our schedules? What value do we place on deep introspection, self-examination, pondering our values and behaviors, addressing our blind spots, or just plain dreaming? What epiphanies, what inspired thinking, is lurking just below the surface, waiting for the noise to subside long enough to be heard?
This article from Inc. Magazine highlights valuable benefits of periodic solitude:
Point to Ponder
It’s not good to be alone all the time. But it IS good to deliberately set aside alone time on a regular basis to work on the most valuable asset you have—YOU.