The office is closed today at church, but I came to the office today because I had stuff on my mind and some things I wanted to work on. There is absolutely no one else around and I have been in some kind of freakish zone today!
It’s awesome! I have spent some time today doing stuff that I normally don’t get to spend time on in the office…sometimes I just plain don’t get to do it!
It’s so easy to settle into our routines and fill every available moment with the things that have to be done to keep the cycle going. Here are a few things I did today that I need to do more often:
- Listen to other opinions – Because of technology, you and I can read and gain insight and mindshare from some of the greatest leaders in our respective fields. If I’m not careful, I will find myself always reading and listening to the same sources. I love to be stretched! One of my favorite things to do is read from someone who disagrees with me.
- Stretch your style – I do not listen to new artists and alternative styles enough. I have my favorite artists and playlists and don’t spend nearly enough time soaking in new stuff that’s out there. Let’s just say I am jamming to a new playlist on the iPod with tracks from totally different artists.
- Reach out intentionally – I seriously doubt if any of us stay in touch with people like we wish we could. I do better at this one than the other two…but can still get better. It’s not that hard to do this. Try one of these:
- Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Write someone a card. Don’t email. People don’t get hand written cards anymore.
- Schedule a spontaneous lunch with a friend that is strictly social.
The tiniest adjustments in our robotic schedules can have tremendous impact. How often do you vary your routine? These are just some things that I did today because no one else is at the office. What are the things you would do to break up your cycle?
