Ever find yourself with so much to do that you become paralyzed? There are so many choices, you can’t decide where to begin, so you end up doing nothing? The tendency is to think you need to work more, but the reality is you need to take a hike.
In my case, that would be an actual hike, but you can do something different – as long as it gets you out of the office. Some form of exercise is ideal, however.
Why does this work? Because, when you are not surrounded by multiple things you could work on, your mind will whirl away without distraction. And eventually there will be clarity.
If you’ve ever had a great insight while in the shower, you know this works. And it’s not because you force yourself to think about work; it’s more because you aren’t, and your subconscious has a chance to problem-solve.
But for me, hiking is the spark that opens my creativity, and even the seed for this post. This summer, I’ve been training to climb Mt. Katahdin, the high point of Maine. Last Sunday’s hike was hard work, and additionally my thoughts raced with all I needed to do, both personally and professionally, to be ready to leave for my upcoming trip to Maine. Not for the first time, I pondered why hiking generates such great problem-solving. For one thing, hiking is repetitive, and does not require my total focus, allowing my brain to work on other things. And I think that because you can’t immediately act, being removed for the moment from your office, etc., you are forced to take the next step – the one we often resist -and plan how to get it all done.
I was at peace by the time I reached the top of the mountain I climbed last weekend. Find the activity that brings you peace & sparks your creativity, and make sure you schedule it into your week.
P.S. Katahdin will be my 42nd state highpoint. There is actually an entire group of people whose hobby is attaining the high point of every state, and we even have a yearly convention. For more information, visit www.highpointers.org
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