‘No Distractions’: Under 4 Minutes

Want to get something popping? A pause might be just what you need

What savory snack normally takes less than four minutes to make?

Your nostrils aren’t deceiving you: It’s microwavable popcorn.

Iconic brand Orville Redenbacher's lays out the simple steps on its website:

1. Remove plastic overwrap. Unfold popcorn bag.

2. Place in center of microwave, with the correct side up as indicated on bag.

3. Set power on HIGH for 4 minutes.

In the Stamm household, the timer almost never exceeds 2 and a half minutes (that's what we've found to be the optimal stopping point in our microwave).

In my household we eat popcorn out of a helmet.

Then you wait for the magic to happen. But not for too long.

“Overcooking may cause scorching,” warns Orville Redenbacher’s label.

You don’t want that. You listen for a second or two to pass between pops before you hit “Stop.”

You open the door, ready for that first bite of salty, buttery goodness. As you reach for the bag, you remember the next warning from the popcorn people: “Bag is HOT!” 

Undeterred, you grab the corners of the steaming bag, fumbling it onto the kitchen counter. You rub your slightly scorched fingertips then reach for a bowl and rip open the bag. 

It’s time to hit play on Netflix and chill with a tasty snack while cuddled up with someone you love.

Why popping corn for a movie night is just what you need to achieve something bigger

Often waiting and pausing can be just what you need to move forward. 

This is where the focus comes in. You just spent a few minutes staring at a slowly expanding bag in a microwave, thinking of nothing but that first bite.

Then the popcorn leads to something more: a night on the couch with family or friends.

We all need these movie-night moments—a time to unwind from a long week or a busy day. The rest is the purpose; the pause is vital.

As my life coach Ben Kenyon points out as part of his “Climb” program: “Resetting isn’t just about rest. It’s a strategic move.” Kenyon is a former NBA strength and conditioning coach, so he knows a thing or two about strategy. “It’s how high performers protect their energy, reset their pace, and stay focused on what matters most.”

Amen! The best way to move forward could be to take a break from pushing ahead. Or, as Ben likes to say: “Stillness produces acceleration.” (T-shirts coming out soon, he jokes).

We all need time to just chill out. To allow our bodies to relax.

What’s your 4-minute pause?

We all have that thing that doesn’t take long to do, yet leads to a moment of relaxation.

For some, it’s the popcorn. For others, it might be meditation or reaching for the gardening shears. Maybe it's putting on your yoga pants, lacing up your sneakers, or even just making your bed.

We all need short rests that lead to the next peaceful, relaxing moment.

What’s your breather?

(By the way, did you notice it took less than four minutes to read this?)