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Imagine a situation where you have so many tasks to do that you don't have time to stop and think about what and why you're doing it. This is common for many programmers, software architects, and engineering managers. However, there is one simple technique that can change this situation. This article will discover how "think time" can be the key to efficiency and success in today's intense work environment. Learn about the benefits this method can bring you and how you can apply it right now to improve the quality of your work and achieve better results.
History of Sarah
As Sarah laced her running shoes, she felt excitement coursing through her veins. It had been a stressful week at work, filled with deadlines and demanding clients. But today was her day off, and she couldn’t wait to escape into the realm of running, where pounding her feet against the pavement could drown out any worries or troubles.
As she hit the pavement, the rhythmic motion of her stride and the fresh air filling her lungs awakened a sense of freedom within her. The endorphins started to kick in, those magical chemicals that turned her into a creative dynamo. With each step, her mind began to race, fueled by the surge of feel-good neurotransmitters.
Suddenly, ideas started flooding into her mind like a torrential downpour. She saw possibilities and solutions that had eluded her all week. The nagging problems at work seemed minuscule despite her newfound mental clarity. She started mentally drafting emails, formulating innovative strategies, and envisioning creative designs.
The park became her inspiration haven as she sprinted along the winding trails. The trees whispered encouragement, and the breeze whispered ideas into her ears. Passersby might have seen a blur of energy, but Sarah was in her world, running towards a realm of endless imagination.
One idea after another began to take shape in her mind, each one more brilliant than the last. The endorphins were like a muse, pushing her to think beyond the boundaries of her usual limitations. She felt invincible as if she could conquer any challenge that came her way.
After what felt like an eternity, Sarah finally slowed down, her heart pounding and a smile spreading across her face. She took a moment to catch her breath, basking in the glow of her runner’s high. The world around her seemed brighter, more vibrant, and filled with infinite possibilities.
With her head buzzing with inspiration, Sarah eagerly made her way home. She couldn’t wait to translate her racing thoughts into action, armed with the newfound energy and ideas that her run had gifted her. As she sat down at her desk, she knew that this day would be different. Today, she would be unstoppable.
From that day forward, Sarah recognized the power of endorphins and running as her secret weapons for creative breakthroughs. Whenever she found herself stuck or needing inspiration, she would lace up her shoes and hit the pavement, ready to run wild with ideas fueled by the beautiful harmony of her body and mind.
A jak jest w pracy? Czy też jest czas na przemyślenie? Czy każdy z dni pracy jest przemyślany i zaplanowany?
Jestem ciekawy jak to u Ciebie wygląda. U mnie z tym jest różnie. Czasem zalew spotkań i różnych tematów, w które jestem zaangażowany sprawia, że przechodzę od zadania do zadania, nie myśląc szczególnie co robię i dlaczego. Po takich dniach jestem zazwyczaj niesamowicie zmęczony, zdenerwowany i zrezygnowany.
Na szczęście, znalazłem pewien sposób opisany przez Kim Scott w książce “Radical Candor”, który pomaga mi radzić sobie z problemem braku czasu dla siebie w pracy.
Think time
If your job consists of daily meetings, you need more time for yourself. Who’s going to take care of you if not you? Reserve some time in your calendar, like 30 minutes a day, and don’t let your colleagues schedule any meetings during this time.
How long and how often this time block should be is up to you. It must be within your working hours. Of course, you can think about your work after work, when playing with your child, on a date with your wife, or in bed before sleep. It’s ok to think about other things during that time.
Of course, simply reserving time won’t suddenly make you stop thinking about work after hours, but in the long term, it helps. Additionally, dedicating time to think about your work, tasks, and problems calmly will positively impact your work and, as I mentioned before, your well-being.
From my experience, it works because when I stopped doing it, I noticed a decline in my mood, a lack of motivation to work, and reduced motivation.
Your improved well-being means improved well-being for others. Who wouldn’t want to work in an environment where people are happy? :)