Do You Agree With This Thinking?

Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason so few engage in it. ~Henry Ford

Propped on my bedroom shelf, directly above my white laminate desk, rested the iconic, orange “THINK” sign my mother gifted me. Being eleven years old, the accompanying story about some company named IBM using the slogan held little interest, but the sign mesmerized me. A day didn’t go by I didn’t think about the think sign and with it all the plans, ideas and dreams I held inside.

Fast forward to today. As a motivational speaker who shares strategies on the power of connection to increase relationships, revenue and results, program attendees consistently state their lack of uninterrupted time to THINK as a key frustration.

Here’s why. Netflix and Amazon Prime have taught consumers to expect instant gratification. To stay competitive, companies, entrepreneurs and individual contributors are charged with finding instant solutions and answers leaving little or no time to reflect, ponder or innovate. Individual pressures to be productive and maximize results swallows up moments waiting in line, at stop lights, and even bathrooms checking email or social media. Even during exercise individuals listen to podcasts or watch television. We multi-task any think time away.

And if you think this lack of thinking doesn’t affect your ability to connect, think again!

Yes, action makes stuff happen, but inaction allows stuff to bubble up. When motion stops, emotion often shows up providing insight and awareness. Thinking allows us to examine feelings, peel back layers and question current beliefs and judgements. Thinking provides the opportunity to go deep and think through possible outcomes or consequences, rather than slap a band-aid on a relationship or situation. Thinking allows ideas to surface and the words to share the vision with others.

Thinking provides a connection with self which is the foundation for all other connections.

So, when was the last time you scheduled some time to simply think?

Action: Set aside 5 minutes to think about something that keeps getting pushed aside due to busyness. Maybe you need to think about increasing your sales funnel, engaging your team, investing your money or dealing with an annoying co-worker. Can’t think of anything? Don’t worry. Be still and simply listen to your thoughts.