At the end of last November I caught the flu. Knocked flat for about 4 weeks, my usual joie de vivre vanished and exhaustion descended. I belatedly realised just how manic 2009 had been.
My health and sense of humour eventually recovered, thanks to a restorative Christmas with my parents in the West Country. The snow outside, the affectionate presence (and lingering smell) of two ageing golden retrievers, and frequent recourse to a glass or two of sherry – a strangely comforting liquid – worked their magic.
I know from conversations with clients and from email exchanges with many readers, that I was not alone in getting my work-life balance a little out of kilter last year.
How can we ensure 2010 is different? The key, I’d suggest, is in having time to think.
A little forethought stops us going off half-cocked after every opportunity – developing the interesting-but-not-core-strategy business ideas, responding to the not-quite-right job ads. These “justifiable” uses of time consume far more energy than we realise. Like the hamster on the wheel, we get full marks for effort, but where has all that scampering taken us?
“Our life is frittered way by detail….simplify, simplify” urges Thoreau.
Even ten minutes of focused thinking a day can pull us out of the detail. That precious window can prevent us plunging into unproductive busyness, or help us reach a conclusion on a thorny issue that we’ve been fruitlessly mulling over for weeks.
Here are some of the places I’ve been thinking this year:
On my bike. I cherish the daily cycle home from my daughter’s kindergarten. In just 13 minutes, I can often solve an issue that’s been bothering me for weeks. There’s something about the early morning air and the silent motion of the wheels. Seemingly effortlessly they untangle jumbled thoughts and quietly produce the right solution.
In the bath. Whilst the bike ride is for decision making, my bath is for creating. Ironically, by unwinding – letting go of deliberate thought – intriguing ideas pop out from amongst the bubbles.
Where do you unwind? Where do you feel free? Join me in thinking more and doing less this year.
2 Comments
I get caught by detail too, as I am, by nature, a ‘detail’ person! It drives me mad at times as I can also become obsessed with it! However, I do have my ‘free thinking’ times. These come naturally when I’m on the train (I think it’s the motion), when at the gym, or when out walking.
Thanks Barbara for reminding me about trains - a great place to think!
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