For many of us, we do our best dreaming and thinking in the car, in the shower or even on vacation. When we least expect it, our minds wander off to fascinating places where we are able to be more creative. Before we realize it, we have discovered an answer to a pressing question, a great topic to blog about or the best way to complete a project we have been struggling with. It is interesting how and when our minds become open to new perspectives and possibilities.
What if we could replicate the “drifting off” experience and build it into our work worlds?
What if we could purposefully cut out time during our hectic schedules to just think?
[Tweet “Strong leaders make time to get lost in their thoughts.”]
Here are four ways that may help in cultivating the time for pure thinking:
PUT THINKING AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO DO LIST
It may sound a bit crazy, but we might want to factor in reflection time as we construct our chock-filled calendars. Each week, decide on a set amount of time to leave open for nothing but breathing and thinking. If we don’t allot ourselves time to let our brains roam, we will constantly have too much clutter to ponder new perspectives or alternatives. Choose the amount of “getting lost in your thoughts” you want to embrace.
STRUCTURE THE TIME
You might be saying that when we don’t designate a specific schedule, we come up with our best ideas. Yet when we commit to how we want to enforce this precious free-thinking time, we can make sure it happens.Here are some activities you can try:
- Brainstorm an idea by writing things down or drawing pictures of what you think might work best.
- Read up on the topic or challenge to learn about new possibilities. Exploring new perspectives can jostle exciting directions you haven’t considered.
- Decide on three steps you will take and commit to making them happen.When we clear our minds of our other routine tasks we can sometimes make room for the right actions.
SAY NO TO INTERRUPTIONS
Instead of hanging a “Do not disturb” sign on your door or workspace, put the notice into your head. Short of an emergency, make it known to yourself and others that you are out of reach. No phone calls. No emails. No social media. No office drop-ins. Just say “yes” to “getting lost in your thoughts.”
EMPOWER YOURSELF TO THINK
Remind yourself how your mind is able to roam when you are in those “other places”. You deserve this time. Consider how important it is to create fresh ideas and new ways to solve problems. Open yourself to blank space with no agenda or rules. Dump your fears and focus. Look at “getting lost in your thoughts” as an opportunity and gift to yourself to grow and develop meaningful plans.
[Tweet “When leaders empower themselves to think they find powerful answers.”]
Are you a leader who can get lost in their thoughts? What strategies have worked for you?
I think part of the reason that this kind of white space so seldom happens at work is our desire to look really productive (to ourselves and to others). We don’t want to be “caught” taking a walk around the block to sort things out. I’ve even found that as an entrepreneur I feel “guilty” if I take some time during the day to do such things… and nobody’s watching but me. And yet, every time I do take the opportunity to pause, I’m amazed at the results. I’m really working on this one.
Fascinating point Karin, that just reflecting appears that we may be shirking our responsibilities. Any yet when done, great ideas emerge.
My response to that is perhaps organizations should make sure each person maps out time during their week to just create and think. Companies like Google encourage this. And leaders like yourself who have seen amazing results when taking time out to allow thinking time, need to share those findings.
As always Karin thanks for your great additions!
As I read this I kept thinking that when we’re in the shower or running, we are allowing our minds to explore areas that are normally out of bounds. When at work, I need to remain focused on the goal or project ahead of me for the day.
I think letting our mind wander coincides with the idea of “play” where we allow our mind to freefall into wherever it wants to go…
Loved this, Terri 🙂
You are so right, LaRae that when we can be playful and just allow our inner child to come out we are more able to create and innovate.
If we could capture that mindset and block out time on our calendars, leaders can integrate “getting lost in your thoughts” space at work. That period of time would not be about focusing on projects or emails but rather about letting our minds roam. Perhaps some of the discoveries from that time could be the answers to some of our most challenging issues.
Thanks LaRae!
Terri,
Setting time aside to think is so important. For me, my exercise time provides an opportunity to think through a concept, idea, or challenge. Unplugging and using quiet moments to reflect and think give us an opportunity to refresh and renew.
Thanks!
Jon
Quiet moments are key and not so readily available in our work environments. That is why putting the time on our calendars may actually allow us the block of time to think and dream. Without those blocks of “getting lost in our thoughts” we can’t always find the best solutions.
Thanks Jon!
Carving out time to dream, look within and outward towards the future is hard! I think Karin’s point is important… it doesn’t look productive but it really is. When I was working in a corporate environment I would block time on my schedule for ME… for brainstorming, my work and looking forward. If I didn’t block it on my calendar, it would be booked within minutes with non-stop meetings.
Today, most of my best ideas come right when I’m falling asleep. Still looking for a good way to remember that brilliant thought in the morning 🙂
Right before bedtime is often when we are most relaxed and open to new feelings and perspectives so that makes so much such to me.
Blocking out the time is essential for planning and strategizing and dreaming; otherwise we just get caught up in our daily responsibilities or putting out fires. Not looking productive is an interesting dilemma that organizations need to re-evaluate.
Thanks Alli for your thoughtful additions as always!