I've had a burst of creative thinking during the past few days. When I tried to figure out where this came from (and how I could get more!), I realized that it came from having a little breathing space.

 

I wish I could say that this happened because I planned some much needed time off. The truth is that this breathing space came about because something time consuming was rescheduled at the last minute. It's great to be fully and efficiently scheduled, but this can work against you when you verge on being overscheduled.

 

My desire for you is to take some time to replenish and recharge amidst your busy agenda of year-end deadlines, gift giving and receiving, and family gatherings.

 

Although many of you will take time off during this holiday season, I want you to take it a step further. Factor in some time for you - some reflective "think time" - and you'll be surprised what happens.

 

Don't set any agenda or rules around this time. Instead, let your mind wander, kind of like daydreaming. Your brain works differently when it meanders rather than focuses, but the results can be equally or more powerful. In a word: you're not a slacker when you engage in think time!

 

The funny thing about taking time to smell the cappuccino is that we have the ability to do so at any time. We just tend to resist the concept of down time.

 

I promise that if you do this, you'll have an outcome that pleases you. Whether it's enhanced creative thinking or feeling less tense or being inspired, you'll get a great benefit. Let me know what works for you.

 

Have a great week! 

 

 

Copyright 2009 Lisa M. Aldisert

 

 

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Our goal is to provide you with timely tips so that you can more effectively run your business. We know you have a ton of mail in your inbox, so we're committed to brevity and practicality.

 

 

In the spirit of today's theme, when you see your people mired in stress due to overload, insist that they take some time to recharge their batteries.

 

 

Identify the time, the place, and the atmosphere where you can have the best experience with reflective think time.

 

 

Scientific research shows that our brains are more active when we daydream than when we focus on routine tasks, so a wandering mind can improve how we solve problems. 

 

 

 

 

Julia E. Rosenbaum