We all lead such busy lives these days.Whether its rushing home from work
to pick the kids up, dashing off to the gym, squeezing in extra meetings
or generally operating at full throttle - we are all guilty and some more
than others.I've noticed this more over the last few months and it was
especially apparent when I was involved in facilitating a team away day a
couple of weeks ago.Typically, when people are asked to take time out of
their day jobs to 'get away, we often get comments along the lines of
"what? 2 days out of the office? When am I going to catch up on those
emails/meetings/calls?", or "why waste time talking about stuff when we
can just get on and do it?.Have you thought this before?When was the last
time you stopped? Yes, that's it, just stopped?When you actually just
pause, even for a few minutes, it gives you time to gather your thoughts.
Its funny, even though it can feel like time being wasted some of your
most brilliant ideas can emerge.During this most recent team away day,
one of the participants commented that they weren't really keen on the 2
days catch up they knew they would have returning to their day job. At
the end of the event, the same person commented how many new ways of
working they had identified and could implement that would actually save
them time!It was their light bulb moment - just wish I'd had a
camera!This is no surprise. Having the space to think is what we all
need.Take 5 minutes today to yourself today - now if you can.If you
manage that easily - take 10 minutes.Once you are comfortable with taking
time out, you can use those precious minutes to re-focus your efforts and
energy on where it needs to be, rather than ploughing on without
conscious thought.Depending how long you choose to stop for you can ask
yourself many questions to help you take stock.Try to consider the
following:
What is happening in my life right now? In my physical life and in my
mind
Are they the same thing?
What is good?
What is less good....or out of kilter?
What needs to happen to regain a sense of balance?
What am I going to do?
Choose to take at least one step towards regaining focus and
control.Stopping and considering your reality is more important than you
might think.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Time-to-Think&id=5648138