… “wasted” two hours in the middle of the day.
I walked my dog in the woods and then took a nap on the couch.
But then I got back to my computer and banged out three things in a row, with better results than if I had pushed through earlier in the day when I didn’t feel like it.
Following your own rhythm is both more productive and more enjoyable.
You described my favored get-stuff-done tool. It is most useful when I can shut off the scoldy voice in my head while I am not actively working but inactively problem-solving instead. Call it procrastination soup because ideas are simmering while I joyfully ignore them. We need to recognize the transition moment, though, between simmer and ready, which varies by person and project, sort of like finding that sweet spot when shifting gears with a clutch transmission.
Your short anecdote was far more effective than my lengthy explanation. Lesson learned: hope to get better at applying it, making the adjustment from teacher voice to friendly sharing. Thanks for your sorta-haiku shorties.
Thanks for your comments, Jane!
haikus are much fun
i really like to share them
it sure beats working
Years ago, my mom told me “relaxing is not doing nothing…..relaxing is doing something else.”
Your “wasted” time is a great example of “doing something else” and reaping the benefits of relaxing.
Before I head off to “relax” I give myself a simple request to come up with a solution to the problem I’m working on when I get back. More often than not I have a great burst of creativity and productivity when I return.
So much for “wasted “…
Hi Gary!
I really like the idea of giving yourself a request. I’ll have to try that.
Michael
Me too! Walked to beach.
Watched huge cruise ship sail away,
Then returned to work.
That sounds fun, Theresa! (Next time, we should be on that ship!!)
Next time indeed!
Amen!