The Think Day
In a world obsessed with speed, the benefits of slowing down are extensive:
Restore your energy
Notice things you previously missed
Be more deliberate with actions
Focus on the right opportunities
Move slow to move fast
The Think Day can help! Pick one day each week, month, or quarter to step back from all of your day-to-day demands. The Think Day should be an 8-hour window (a typical 9-5 day is just fine) split into 60-minute focus blocks with walks/breaks in between.
The ground rules:
Seclude yourself (mentally or physically).
Shut off all notifications on your devices.
You are not allowed to be disturbed!
The goal is to spend the entire day reading, learning, journaling, and THINKING.
The point is to force yourself to create the free time to zoom out, open your mind, and think creatively about the bigger picture.
Tools for Think Day:
Journal and pen.
Books/articles I've been wanting to read.
Secluded location (at home, Airbnb, or outside).
Thinking questions:
What are your strongest beliefs? What would it take for you to change your mind on them?
What are a few things that you know now that you wish you knew 5 years ago?
How can you do less, but better?
What are you aiming to achieve; both big important problems and/or small urgent problems?
What actions were you engaged in 5 years ago that you cringe at today? What actions are you engaged in today that you will cringe at in 5 years?
What would your 80-year-old self say about your decisions today?
Good luck, and remember... You have to slow down to speed up!
