Taking Silence for Work
“But he would withdraw to deserted places to pray” (Luke 5:16).
Take silence for work.
Not from work—for work.
Here’s what I mean: If you’re constantly filling up with information, you can’t hear God’s voice, because you’re too busy listening to the world. We’re in this world, not of it, and our ultimate home is Heaven.
I think we can all agree that there is a lot of noise in this world—not just audio but visual, too. We’re bombarded with images and information constantly, especially if we’re entrepreneurs. There is always a bright new shiny object—a “will this be the secret sauce to success?” The only true secret sauce I’ve discovered is in slowing down, finding silence, and building a practice of self-reflection.
When I started my practice as a coach, I got caught up in consuming information instead of implementing and taking action on what I learned. If you long for peace of mind and clarity with your everyday choices—and the big decisions too—commit to creating a habit of self-reflection in silence. Then, you’ll be able to discern the next right step for you.
This practice is countercultural in our fast-paced society. You may be wondering how you can even do it when the world is setting the pace and telling you the right way to run your business, your career, or your family. The only person you really need to listen to is Jesus.
So, how can you quiet yourself so you can hear his voice and where he’s asking you to go? Here’s what’s been working for me:
A Weekly Examen
I coach my clients to use a victory list (and do so myself). At the end of the week, take a few minutes to sit down with a pen and paper in silence answering three questions:
1. What Have I Accomplished This Week?
Big or small, it all matters. Take a quick inventory so you can see your progress.
2. What Have I Learned This Week?
We grow through our challenges and failures. Remember: Failure is an event, not a person, so you are not a failure.
3. What Could I Do Differently Next Week?
Take some time to ponder the fruits of failure:
What did you learn about yourself or others?
How can you better equip yourself for challenges in the future?
Where is God calling you to go?
Instead of dismissing our crosses, let’s actually use them to go deeper spiritually, grow up mentally, and strengthen physically.
A Monthly Check-in
Schedule a few hours to take yourself out of the familiar. Try that new cafe, or go for a short drive to explore a new place. When I feel overloaded with worries or have decisions weighing on me, I make the choice to take action and do something else. By the time I return to that thought, it’s clearer, or the answer seems obvious.
Taking myself away from the ordinary builds gratitude for what I do have and helps me focus my thoughts. Taking time to reflect is not about rumination or toxic positivity; it’s about gaining clarity on your purpose and asking God to help you be honest with yourself about what truly matters personally and professionally.
Going on a Retreat
Taking time away from work has proven to be one of the most productive things I can do for both my business and my family relationships. Think about when you get ready to go away: What are you doing? You’re most likely checking all the essential items off your personal and work to-do lists. Have you ever been more productive than the week before taking time off? What’s more, when I return to work after a break, I have a fresh perspective on challenges and a new appreciation for serving my clients.
Some of you may be thinking, “How can I leave my family for a weekend or take a week off from work?” Jesus often took time alone on purpose to pray, even when everyone was asking him for things! Consider that your break strengthens you to serve and helps others appreciate everyone else’s role in the family or on the team. In my family, I’ve noticed it helps our boys take on a little extra responsibility and get some extra Dad time, it helps me appreciate how hard my husband works for us, it helps my husband and children recognize what I do on a daily basis, and it helps me unplug from decision-making.
If the thought of taking silence for self reflection is intimidating to you, be sure to start small. Block off some white space on your calendar once a week. Then, notice the fruit that comes from that time in silence and reflection, and build from there.
Liz Montigny is a Catholic life coach for women and retreat leader. She coaches her clients to reach their goals with grace instead of hustle. Liz lives with her husband and their three boys in Massachusetts where she homeschools and builds her theatre ministry. Connect with her at lizmontignycoaching.com.