John D. Rockefeller, a successful businessman and a recluse, valued solitude and quiet contemplation. He listened more than he spoke, carefully considering each problem and putting things in their proper place when he did speak. Rockefeller's key to success was making good decisions, which he believed required spending quiet time alone to deeply think things through. He recognized the importance of internal reflection and strategic decision-making over physical or verbal actions.
The most productive work you can do often looks like the laziest -- but it can be hard to accept that because of how the workplace has changed over the last 100 years.