It’s that place.
The one where you can go and let your mind wander.
And more importantly, it’s a healthy place.
When I lived in North Carolina, “that place” was sitting on my bike while out riding 40 or so miles. It was peaceful, and a way my mind, in some ways, became free.
Now that I live in New York City, escaping is much harder, but I’ve found my spot, and it’s probably not a place you’d expect.
When I’m in this spot, my mind starts to relax. It’s as if, without trigger or cause, my mind starts to almost suddenly brainstorm or see challenges from a new perspective.
In fact, when I’m in this place, I normally plan to be there on an average of 1.5 – 2 hours, but there have been times when ideas have come to mind that were so motivational, that I’ve abruptly left the space to go explore said ideas.
This place isn’t somewhere that I’m alone, and it’s not somewhere that’s perfectly silent, nor is it a place that may seem all that logical.
My Thinking Place
My thinking place is the movie theater.
I go to the movies once or twice a week; partly to be entertained and partly to escape and let my mind do whatever it needs to do.
Sometimes creative brainstorming is needed.
Sometimes I need to let the stress of the city go.
Sometimes there’s a problem opportunity that I need to look at from a different perspective.
And yes, sometimes I go to the movies for pure entertainment, or at least that’s the intention, but it never fails that that “ah ha!” moment happens.
For me, it’s a special place, and a place that I, in an odd way, protect. I don’t go to the movies with just anyone, and I especially avoid going with people that seem to bring down the mood or have a negative vibe. In fact, I’d estimate that 50% of the time I go to the movies by myself, and I’m totally fine being “that guy.”
Just Breathe
In business, and in life, we need these types of places.
Clutter is literally everywhere. There’s email. There’s Twitter. There’s Facebook. There’s your constantly connected cell phone.
Heck, let me ask you something.
When is the last time you spent a two-hour period without looking at your phone.
If it’s been a while, I highly suggest that you figure out a way to disconnect, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. If you’re so important that you have to constantly look at your phone or be “on,” get an assistant.
When you disconnect, or even better, find “that place,” you’ll be amazed at how clear things can become, and you’ll hit creativity waves that were previously inaccessible.
