The space reflex is the instinct to fill every open gap in your diary with activity, and knowingly or not, avoid the discomfort of being still with your own thinking.

It can be difficult to catch, because the CMO role is expansive and exposed. There is always another meeting to attend, a message to respond to, a fire to put out. The calendar rarely offers natural room to “just be”.

It is true that momentum can feel productive. Back to back sessions, quick decisions, visible action. But so can clarity. By default, most CMOs gravitate to doing something, either operationally or intellectually. It might be joining another call, reviewing another deck, tweaking a plan or scanning the latest results, all useful and often necessary.

However, there can be important information available when you stop and notice what is happening internally. Sometimes that means facing fatigue, doubt or a creeping sense of misalignment. But other times it reveals confidence, conviction and perspective. That is the reward for creating space, especially if you have previously been running on instinct alone.

When space appears in your day, resist the urge to fill it. Sit with it. Notice what you are thinking and feeling, take action if needed or enjoy the rare strength of unstructured time.