If you’ve been following LIFEies for a while, you know I am a big believer in scheduling my time to the minute. My calendars are color-coded and every part of my day is planned out, from meetings to cold calling, to hikes and yes, even naps. I don’t do this to over plan, I do this to live my priorities. I’ve found that designating a certain time for something, even something small like a nap or meditating, means you’re far more likely to get it done. If something is important to you, set aside time specifically to make sure it happens.
The below very short blog applies this idea to something called “NOTT” – no outcome thinking time. I love this idea. Time to sit in silence, with no pressure to produce or perform, and simply be and think. Imagine what ideas or inspiration might come out of just spending time with your thoughts each week. Here is a second article around the same topic if you want more.
If you can’t commit to three hours a week, start with ten minutes. Set aside a time in your calendar to just be alone with your thoughts. No music, no background noise, just silence.
Why I schedule 3 hours Of “NOTT” — no outcome thinking time — every week
Mitchell Harper reminds us that it’s important to schedule time to just think. Not to do, but simply to take time to ponder what we’re doing on this journey.
During my thinking time I focus on not “doing” anything. I don’t try to make progress on anything tangible. I don’t mark off goals on a ToDo list. I just sit in silence and think about things that are important or top of mind.
I’m confident that the reason we all get our best ideas in the shower is because we’re not taking time to just sit and think. A lot of smart people recognize the importance of this type of (in)activity, which seems counterintuitive at first. But here’s a couple other reminders:
- In this list from the Fizzle team, Corbett Barr reminds us to “reconnect with our why” … and that takes time.
- In The 2 Hour Rule, Zat Rana recommends reflective thinking. And schedules 2 hours on his calendar each week.