When stopping is the best way to go: the 3 step personal off-site
Being in a position of responsibility in pressured circumstances can sometimes feel lonely and intense.
It doesn't matter if you are the head of an organization, shepherding a group project, or working on your own – the feelings are often the same.
Tight deadlines, slim budgets, and an environment that promises immediate gratification all increase the pressure for results and can build up into a sense of frenzy. It is easy to get caught up in the resulting whirlwind of activity.
When all around you is abuzz, what do you do? It is time for a personal off-site.
Organizations have them so groups can take time to think things through away from the din. They are just as valuable for individuals.
- Stop.
- Take a step back.
- Take stock.
First step: stop the frenzy
Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a pause. It may feel like the world is spinning around you and you can't stop to take a break, but it is the most important thing you can do.
Second step: pull back and get some perspective
It can be as simple as sitting quietly for an hour or two, or taking a walk away from the frenzy. Find a quiet spot, and give yourself permission to take the time you need to really think.
Third step: take stock
Take a moment or two (or three) to assess the situation in a systematic and structured way to get a real picture of what needs to happen to get the best result.
Having a clear head and a sense of order will help you decide what to do. Synthesize what you've heard from others and form your own opinion. Once you’ve gotten a sense of perspective, you can go on to draw up an action plan and consider how to implement it.
In the face of frenzy, often our response is to rush headlong into the fray. It is that "must do something" attitude of racing up to each challenge ready to sort it out as quickly as possible. It is easy to get caught up in that ever-forward motion without stopping to judge the situation fully.
We are driven to act, but sometimes the best course of action is to stop for a moment or two.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a personal off-site.
Try it and let me know if it works. If you have a friend or colleague who is caught in the vortex, I hope you'll pass this along to them. Share your thoughts here or via Twitter. I'm @lucymarcus
Photo credit Christopher Michel
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5yBrilliant post, thank you for sharing. It's so easy to get lost in the doing, sucked into other peoples deadlines and objectives and forget that we are humans first...and therefore need to take time out to get perspective! Health is wealth, and no money in the world can buy it back once it's too late! It's not a weakness to slow down, it actually helps you speed up!
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5yThank you for re-linking to this - hugely helpful.
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10yAND .....listen to inspiring music http://soundcloud.com/rich-kulsar/love-is-calling-mastered
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10yHelpful post. I've found silent retreats particularly useful of late. http://wiseworking.blogspot.com/2012/08/silent-retreats-taking-vacation-to-your.html?m=1