Solitude is not a step back, but a step forward into wisdom and insight.

One of my biggest takeaways from my first visit to North Dakota was the profound solitude of the landscape. Miles of rugged terrain stretched out before me, broken only by the occasional small town or stray bison.

I found that the vast emptiness became an invitation for deep introspection.

When I first started traveling solo, I found the abundant alone time to be a bit uncomfortable, but now it’s one of the parts I cherish the most.

For me, solitude has a way of sparking profound insights and growth, both personally and professionally. I would go as far as to say that time alone is not just a luxury, but a necessity for me to grow as a leader and connect with my own inner wisdom.

Time alone allows me to see the bigger picture in my work and life. It allows me to tune into my own thoughts, helping me to make decisions that truly align with my values and vision.

What do I actually do when I’m out on the road by myself to fully take advantage of solitude?

🪶 Embrace quiet contemplation: Without the distractions of daily life, I am able to tune into my own thoughts and reflections. As leaders, we often overlook the value of quiet time, but it’s essential for recharging, reflecting and refocusing on our goals and priorities.
🪶 Take in the beauty of simplicity: North Dakota’s landscape is simple, but elegant. The rolling hills, vast skies and sparse vegetation all work together to create a sense of harmony and balance. There is so much value in stripping away unnecessary complexity and finding beauty in straightforward solutions.
🪶 Reconnect with nature and myself: My time in North Dakota reminded me of the importance of reconnecting with the natural world and my own inner self. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking time to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the wind and gaze at the stars can be a powerful way to recalibrate and reset.

📌 How has solitude shaped your journey as a leader?