When was the last time you took time out to reflect? Just sit and think?
I get it. You’re busy. Major demands on your time. People knocking on your door constantly. You feel responsible for everything in your organisation.
It’s the curse of modern management. But is it leadership? I believe it’s not.
We all need time to step out of the hurly burly and allow creativity to come in.
Think back to when you get your best ideas. It could be in the shower. Lying on the sofa snoozing. Walking the dog. Sitting in the park. At the beach. Or in the mountains.
Not in the office!
So why is it that we don’t give ourselves permission to take time out. Why do we need to appear to be “productive” constantly.
Reminds me of something our Grandmothers might say, “Idle hands make the devil’s work”.
That’s simply not true in the modern age where we’re constantly bombarded with stuff competing for our attention.
If we look at the way our minds work, most of our great ideas come from our subconscious. It beavers away under the surface making collating information and making connections.
But when it “speaks” it’s a very quiet voice which you’re unlikely to hear if you’re never relaxed and not thinking about problems.
Which is why we suggest two things with our clients.
One is to get out of the office on a regular basis. Once a week for at least an hour. Go somewhere where you won’t be disturbed. Anything from a coffee shop to a park or just a walk.
Allow your mind to roam free. Don’t sit in your problems. Give space for new solutions and ideas to come in.
And for those of you thinking you can’t afford the time, you can’t afford not to make it.
Steven Covey in 7 Habits points out, “We must never become too busy sawing to take time out to sharpen the saw”.
Continuous improvement and renewal comes from preserving the greatest asset you have, your mind and health.
Being stressed to the max is not good for either.
The second suggestion is get a coach or mentor. Someone who forces you to spend time working on your business in sessions with them.
A coach helps you see the forest for the trees, challenges your thinking so you gain new perspectives.
A mentor will help you develop the courage and confidence to try out new ideas and build your business.
So my challenge to you is, make the time to get out, smell the roses and let your subconscious mind work on your issues and come up with solutions.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you come up with and the results you’ll achieve.
