I had an incredible week last week.
Twice a year, I get away to do some big-picture, strategic planning for my business.
I always come away refreshed and energized, with a new sense of purpose and urgency.
But here is something that took me way too long to realize…
I cannot do this from my office.
In fact, the more novel and unfamiliar the better.
Here is what works for me:
1️⃣ Going to a brand new place, surrounded by trees and wildlife.
2️⃣ Listening to nothing but classical music (no lyrics).
3️⃣ Lots of walking in nature.
4️⃣ 2-3 hours of manual labour each day.
5️⃣ No podcasts or TV.
My time away is all about gathering ideas, like seeds.
For me, that means not trying too hard.
I keep my mind and body active – and have my notepad handy for when ideas come.
I capture them, but don’t spend too much time on them.
Then I come back to all my seeds later to see which ones take root.
It can feel self-indulgent, and unproductive.
But it’s the only way I can truly innovate.
We underestimate how much our physical environment is associated with certain ways of thinking.
The same goes for our routines, and the music or podcasts we listen to.
When we break these associations, we open ourselves up.
I came away with ideas I guarantee I NEVER would have come up with from behind this desk.
I wish I had learned this earlier in my career.
I am so excited about what’s to come.
