Increase Productivity by Creating Space
How much space do you have in each day? How much unscheduled time, how many quiet moments, how often are you still? I’m constantly shocked at how much we all avoid empty space at all costs. Yet space is never truly ‘empty’.
Creating space in our day, and crossing a new frontier when we invite space into our lives can be a highly effective way of renewing energy and being more productive.
Earlier today I was expecting a call from a coaching client – it didn’t come. Often, my thinking pattern in those moments will be to fuss around doing ‘one last thing’, which never really is ‘one last thing’ because there are always other ‘last things’.
Today, instead, I looked out of my window. The rain was pouring down, and I watched raindrops bouncing off the roof of my car outside. It was delightful to sit quietly and I found myself sinking into deeper concentration and contentment.
Given how nice it can be to experience space during the day, why are so many of us intent on avoiding it at all costs? I think there are a couple of reasons for this. The first is that space is self – confronting. When you are sitting quietly doing nothing in particular, who are you with? Yourself. So many of us are so good at avoiding ourselves that it can be challenging to spend time alone. Space is an invitation to do this, and really spending time with ourselves is the ‘frontier’ I mentioned earlier. Most of us could do with a little more reflective time.
Another reason we avoid space is our intense desire to be active and accomplishing. The Buddhists call this energetic quality our ‘Will to Do’. In and of itself it’s a neutral energy, and it acquires positive or negative qualities depending on the emotion behind it. When we are frenzied, anxious, pushing ourselves, angry, or grasping, then our desire to be active comes from a negative source which impacts our productivity. Creating space will help you be more productive, and it’s far nicer to approach life from a well rested space moving forward from quiet contemplation into loving action.
How will you experience space today?
Tags: Buddhism, contemplation, contentment, introspection, Leadership Skills, making positive change, reflection, self improvement
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About Kate Warren
Kate Warren is the founder of Brightlife. She is a leader in the field of personal and professional development, and is a sought-after speaker, teacher, and coach. Kate is passionate about helping people to unlock their personal and professional potential. She is an NLP Master Practitioner, a Certified NLP Coach, a Master of Group Leadership Dynamics, and the U.K.'s first certified WealthyMind™ trainer. In 2008 her business success was recognised when she was invited to join ‘Courvoisier the Future 500’, an elite group of the 500 rising stars of British business.
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Courvoisier The Future 500 is an exclusive member's network of the country's most innovative business brains and creative talent. Being awarded a place shows dedication and commercial success.