The Power of Reflection: Why Great Decisions Start with Thinking Time

 

As a leader, how often do you take the time to sit quietly and think? Not just about immediate tasks, but about long-term goals, past choices, and fresh ideas for the future. Decision-making isn’t just about reacting or responding, it’s about reflecting.

Why Thinking Time Matters

Many leaders spend most of their day solving problems as they arise. While quick decisions are sometimes necessary, setting aside time to think is a powerful practice.  It allows you to recognize patterns and see connections between past and present situations. It helps you come up with new ideas as creativity thrives in quiet moments, not in constant action.

One of the pillars of the Paint It Red philosophy is Minimalism. Not just in physical spaces, but in mental clutter as well. The more distractions you allow into your mind, the harder it becomes to think clearly and make strong decisions.

Minimalism in decision-making means the following:

Eliminating unnecessary noise: When your mind is overloaded with minor details, it’s hard to focus on the task or topics at hand.

Focusing on what moves the needle: Not every decision deserves equal weight. Prioritizing thinking time helps you concentrate on choices that make a real impact.

Creating space for reflection: Just like decluttering a room makes it more functional, clearing your mind of distractions allows for sharper, more intentional decision-making.

For years, I’ve started my mornings with coffee and time to think. Sometimes about work, sometimes about life in general. It’s a simple practice, but a powerful one. Giving yourself time to think isn’t wasted time; it’s an investment in creativity and better decision-making.

The Power of Quiet Mornings

Some of my best ideas for my business, books, and personal life came to life during those quiet mornings with nothing but my coffee and my thoughts. No meetings, no emails, no distractions. Just time to process, plan, and create.

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded by external forces. Notifications, emails, urgent requests, and endless noise. That time it’s essential. It’s when clarity emerges, when ideas take shape, and when decisions become deliberate rather than reactive. The best leaders don’t just respond to what’s happening around them; they create space to shape what happens next.

So, how much time do you spend thinking? If the answer is "not enough," it might be time to embrace the power of quiet moments.

Creating the Right Environment for Critical Thinking

The environment you create for critical thinking is up to you. Some people find their space in the morning with a cup of coffee, while others need a quiet office, a walk outside, or even a specific chair where they can sit and reflect.

Regardless, it’s having a place both physically and mentally where you can go. A space that allows you to clear your mind, focus, and develop the next steps for your business, career, or personal life. When you establish that space, it does wonders for your psyche, helping you craft and formulate new actions ahead.

It’s not just about making decisions; it’s about making better decisions. And that starts with giving yourself the time and space to think.

The best decisions don’t come from rushed moments of distraction; they come from intentional time set aside to think. When you create that space, thinking transforms from a scattered, occasional practice into a structured habit. One that leads to better ideas and sharper decisions.  Paint It Red.