A couple of weeks ago, I asked you to say “yes” to creating space on your calendar. It was to be a 20 minute appointment on your calendar with nothing filling in the blank for what you are going to do. I encouraged you to leave your office, go for a walk, read, get out of the usual and into a space less crowded. What did you learn?
Too busy to take twenty minutes away? Really? It’s okay, I do hear this all the time. Let me fill you in on what you missed out on.
You missed the opportunity to easily resolve that sticky business issue that kept you at the office until 7:30 p.m. that night. That brilliant idea for expanding your business never even had the chance to form in your mind. You did not allow the memory of your best friend from college to appear and you missed the opportunity to call him just when he could have used a boost from a friend. Instead of surprising your spouse with the most thoughtful gift she has ever received, you defaulted to the tried and true of a fancy restaurant meal to celebrate her birthday.
These are just a few of the things you missed out on. Can you imagine if just one of these opportunities had come to fruition? How much of a difference would that have made in your life? Let’s see…by taking twenty minutes away, you came up with an idea to surprise your wife by taking her to see a play (you are not a fan of the theater!) on Sunday afternoon and then had her family meet you afterward for dinner to celebrate her birthday. Feeling the warmth and gratitude from that event, you called your best buddy from college and learned he was struggling with some personal issues. You suggested a guy’s weekend of golf and relaxation and your wife wholeheartedly blessed the outing as she felt far more confident in your love and affection. While away for the weekend, it hit you. Yes, the next step you need to take in your business.
This all started with the 20 minutes you created for you that created a profound ripple effect, not only in your life but the lives of others. How powerful is that?