No Time for Thinking
Sometimes there is just no time for thinking at work. Other than thinking “what do I have to do next?”. You may come across an issue that needs to be changed or a problem that needs to be solved. But, it’s time for a meeting or someone walks in with a question or that email you need arrives. No time to think now.
Some things don’t require any dedicated thinking. Experience kicks in and the thinking is almost automatic. Or it is automatic – it’s a reaction rather than a study. But there are issues that need dedicated thinking time. Something that we seldom commit to doing.
Make a Thinking Commitment
I find that the only way I’ll spend time thinking about something that needs some dedicated amount of time is to make a commitment with myself. To reinforce this need, I have to plan the time to do it. Maybe that’s while driving or riding home from work. Maybe it’s after dinner and after the kids are asleep. You may also need to set a reminder in whatever system you use and trust that keeps track of your appointments.
Of course the key is not just to plan to think but to actually follow through on your commitment with yourself to dedicate some focus time.
What to DO in Thinking Time
- Choose a location that’s suitable. Quiet is often better, but I admit that some people need some noise in the background. If you know yourself at all, you’ll already have an idea of what a suitable location looks and sounds and feels like to you.
- Have something to capture your results. We all know of those ideas we had or those mental notes we made that just left us when we were distracted. You need a way to write or type or record the thoughts that you produce once you get settled in your location.
- Use what works to get the ideas flowing. As I said before, some of us need a quiet place with no distractions. Some need to actually talk it out to themselves (or maybe with someone to serve as a sounding board). Some need to walk around or even run or bike. Some need to write on a white board. Whatever YOU know that works for you, do it.
Thinking isn’t always easy. But, if you’ll make the time, set the stage and record your thoughts for later, you’ll go a long way toward answering the questions that can’t be answered during the busyness of the work day.