I recently listened to a sermon in which the pastor challenged us to "taste the grace of silence." That phrase resonated with me, as I believe that it's important to regularly get away from the "noise" of everyday living and spend time considering where we've been, where we are and where we're going.

Tasting the grace of silence is a powerful concept. As powerful as it is, though, it really isn't hard to do. All you have to do is incorporate these three concepts:

• Place - Where you go to get away is important. I recommend that your get-away spot be right in your home. This gives you the greatest control over the atmosphere and makes it more likely that you'll actually go there. The key to choosing an appropriate place, whether in your home or elsewhere, is that it be removed as much as possible from distractions.
• Strategy - Getting away from the noise does note mean you should spend that time navel-gazing. You need to have a plan for what you will do with that time. It could be reading, journaling, praying or whatever best focuses your mind. Your plan should also include ample time to think without distraction.
• Simplicity - Complex rituals will make it less likely that you'll take the time you need and more likely that you'll become distracted by those rituals when you do take the time. For example, my time away from the noise consists of spending 15 minutes each day reading and reflecting in a comfortable chair in my home office. It requires nothing more complex than turning off my phone and my computer and moving from where I am to that chair.

Tasting the grace of silence is a powerful tool for achieving High Performance Success. My challenge to you is to come up with a place and a strategy for yourself and to faithfully follow your plan for 30 days. I'm confident that the positive impact of doing so will convince you to continue with the program long after those 30 days have passed.