Make Space. Perform Brilliantly.

Photo by Richard Jones "Andromeda Galaxy 2.5M Light Years from Earth"

In a world that rewards productivity and celebrates the hustle, the idea of “making space” can feel almost radical. Yet more than ever, creating space in our schedules, minds, hearts, and environments, is a necessity. And here’s the key: space doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

For some, making space might mean clearing off a cluttered desk or scheduling a weekend with no obligations. For others, it could be about carving out quiet time each morning before the day takes over or having the courage to step back from roles or relationships that no longer serve them. It might look like setting boundaries around work hours, delegating more intentionally, or simply turning off notifications. There’s no universal blueprint. What restores and re-energizes one person may not work for another. And that’s the point. Space is deeply personal. It’s less about what it looks like and more about what it creates within us.

When we allow for more space in our lives and work, the benefits can be profound. Without the constant hum of busyness, clarity often emerges. We begin to hear our own thoughts, tap into our creativity, and make more intentional decisions. Space allows for deeper connections, both with others and with ourselves. In relationships and teams, it creates room for presence and listening. From a performance perspective, space becomes a reset button leading to more focused energy and sustainable productivity, rather than burnout masked as momentum.

But let’s be honest, space can also be uncomfortable. When we slow down or step back, guilt has a way of creeping in. We may question whether we’re doing enough or feel anxiety in the stillness. There’s often a fear that if we stop moving, something will fall apart. Or worse, we’ll lose our sense of identity. For many high-performing professionals and leaders, activity has long been tied to value and purpose. So, when we pause, what rises in its place can be unexpected.

This discomfort doesn’t mean we’re doing it wrong. It means we’re doing something different.

The good news is, we can move through that unease. The first step is simply noticing it. Instead of labeling it as negative, we can recognize it as part of the recalibration. Making space is like clearing out a room: you may be surprised by what’s been hiding under the clutter! But it also gives you a fresh canvas. From there, we can reframe our understanding of space. It isn’t emptiness; it’s possibility. Even if we start small… ten minutes of quiet reflection, an evening without a screen, or a single “no” to an unnecessary commitment, we begin to reclaim control over how we use our time and energy.

Support can also be a helpful companion in this process. Whether through coaching, trusted conversations, or journaling, the act of creating space doesn’t need to be done alone. In fact, when we bring others into our intention to reset, we often find we’re not the only ones craving it.

Ultimately, making space is not a sign of weakness or stepping away from ambition, it’s the opposite. It’s a strategic, grounded decision to make room for what matters most. It’s an act of leadership in both life and work. Whether that space is used for dreaming, resting, reflecting, or simply breathing, it’s yours to define.

So, what kind of space are you craving right now? And what might shift if you allowed yourself to make just a little more room? Times up… go make some space!