Embrace the Silence: Harnessing the Benefits of Dedicated Thinking Time
It’s a busy world. Do you have enough time to do everything you want? Who has time to think, let alone feel? We tend to concentrate on action, but even that takes time, and without a proper plan, is it beneficial to begin doing something? It is usually after the fact that we ask ourselves that final question. We are prone to act to demonstrate we are doing something (or anything) to address a situation. Yet we are likely missing opportunities to make our actions far more productive. Additionally, innovation, impact, and engagement are not always a consideration we take until it’s too late.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but building in quiet, uninterrupted thinking time can be the most critical action to improve the outcomes we seek. Taking steps to have that time for thought and understanding how the results may affect others will have a meaningful impact on your outcomes. This approach is how leaders can move from good ideas to great ideas.
Make time to think
Thinking time is likely something we have all taken for granted. A time when you are not doing anything else. When did you last have time with yourself and your thoughts? No headphones, television, or music, just you surrounded by silence.
You may assume your shower time is your thinking time, which is a good time for that purpose. Many ideas come to me during these downtimes when I allow for them. However, you’ll need more than a shower for real thinking time. It may not need to be measured in hours, but you will want to dedicate some significant chunks of time when you can let your mind wander and explore many unique ideas. Have something to capture your thoughts; the simpler, the better. A voice recorder may be the best tool for this. It allows you to think and talk through your concepts out loud (I always find that helpful).
Finally, make this a regular habit. You may even go as far as to schedule this thinking time. That may inform your brain that you are dedicating that time specifically for that purpose. Planned time can help release any constraints and allow ideas to flow freely. A scheduled time, a designated and quiet place, and a way to capture your thoughts are all you need to set yourself up for a productive thinking session.
Search your feelings…leader
Ok, I borrowed the line from the Star Wars movies. But there is value in allowing your feelings to come through naturally. Combined with understanding the feelings of others, you can gain fresh perspectives on familiar topics. When you make time to think and feel, new ideas will start flowing. Many people swear by meditation as well to recharge and innovate. The benefits of meditation primarily come from learning to quiet the busy part of your mind and allow you to connect more deeply with your thoughts. It is a way to quiet the noise we all have around us. While I cannot speak to the benefits of consistent meditation directly, I can speak to allowing myself to quiet my mind and embrace how I feel about ideas or situations.
It is a somewhat odd sensation to think about an idea or a possible outcome and suddenly find excitement, an uncontrollable smile, or even laughter. That is when you know your thoughts and feelings have connected.
Take Action
Once that connection has been made, it is time to put a plan into motion. What is the first step you can take to begin the activity necessary to move forward? The first step, the next step, is what you need to start. Other actions can follow. Do not let the entirety of the whole process prevent you from taking that first step. Additional steps will also come as you continue to make time for thinking and feeling.
Time is precious; few people believe they have enough of it for most of the things they want to do. However, making time to think and feel and then act can lead you to find more time in the future. As you place your plans, they will spur even more ideas. Building a process for yourself to allow time for thinking will reward you with new ideas. That enables you to find ways to get more done for your business and yourself.
How do you see yourself benefiting from setting aside time for dedicating thinking regularly?
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