As a business owner I know how easy it is to be caught in the day to day activities of doing the work. That’s fine, as we need to generate cash to keep going as a business. However, I’m also very mindful of the fact that we need to innovate and keep improving our services to ensure that we can continue to do well in the future.
So I try, as often as I can, the following methods for this free space to allow the ideas to come –
- Holidays – Whilst it’s great visiting exciting locations, trying new foods and spending quality family time together, I also love being away from the day to day. I know after a few days of not thinking about work, I’ll start to have some ideas for future plans. Amongst the many ideas, there’s always one that I know I’m going to act when I’m back. How often have you started a new job, or someone started where you have worked for a while, and you’ve questioned the way things are done. Often the answer is, that’s the way it’s always been. Being on holiday, or away from the office for a few days or more, helps me to get this fresh outlook on our business. Now, you can even take holidays which have the sole aim of quietening the mind. The Humble Retreat is one of these places to help you find some quiet.
- Morning or afternoon off work. This has been taken from my personal hero, Tim Ferris here. It’s not often practical to take a long period out of the office. So if it isn’t, why not just take a morning or afternoon off. I know what you’re already thinking though– I’m too busy! One option is to schedule the first free bit of time you have in the next few weeks and take that time off. And when you schedule that time, make sure you stick to it and repeat it for a few weeks and see what ideas you can generate.
- Exercise allows me to de-stress and realise that whilst work is important, it’s not as important as trying to look after my body. Once I realise that, it creates the space for ideas again
- Meditation is something I don’t do as often as I should, but I feel a benefit when I do it. It can be done in just a few minutes a day using an app such as Headspace or Calm. For myself, it helps to calm my mind and create the stillness which in turn creates the inspiration I’m looking for.
What do you do to find your inspiration? Would you add anything here or do anything different we can share with our customers?