The power of thinking space: Why we need time to reflect

One of the things we often find ourselves struggling with in today’s fast-paced corporate world is the pursuit of a fleeting moment of peace. The constant barrage of demands, meetings, and looming deadlines can leave us feeling like we’re drowning.

It’s a scenario that’s all too familiar, and it’s a clear sign of the absence of something vital – thinking space. But here’s a thought that might just change the game for HR leaders and anyone navigating the corporate landscape: What if I told you that the key to unlocking creativity, productivity, and personal growth lies in something as seemingly simple as giving yourself the gift of time to think?

But it’s not about just sitting idle, watching the world go by. No, thinking space is about something more profound. It’s about carving out moments for yourself amidst the frenzy, moments that you can use strategically to your advantage. Think of them as your ‘purple patches’ – those rare instances of clarity and insight that can lead to transformative actions. You might even consider colour-coding them in your calendar, a visual reminder that they are sacred and significant.

Carving out deliberate thinking time

Imagine the impact of intentionally setting aside six hours a week or 1.2 hours each day solely for the purpose of thinking. It’s not about emptying your schedule; it’s about filling it with a different kind of value. It’s a commitment to decelerate, decompress, and be choosy about where you spend your precious time, attention and capacity.

It’s about creating the mental space necessary for better choices, for more deliberate actions. It’s a conscious step towards the practice of being present and purposeful.

Accidental space

And then there are those serendipitous pockets of time that catch you by surprise. A sudden cancelled meeting gives you some precious time to catch up on the things that are important to you.

These moments of accidental downtime can be gifts, revealing the possibilities of what can be achieved when we intentionally block out time. They remind us that while the unexpected can be wonderful, it’s the deliberate and intentional creation of thinking space that leads to true transformation.

Fill your cup

To recover space in our lives, we must strip away distractions, silence the noise, and rid ourselves of activities that don’t match our intentions. This entails identifying and addressing the culprits: unrealistic expectations that fuel our anxieties, the constant clamour that clouds our thoughts, the lack of boundaries that turns our days into an exhausting blur, and the habit of neglecting our well-being in the pursuit of endless productivity.

It’s about realising that we can’t pour from an empty cup and that embracing imperfection and self-awareness are essential steps on this path.

Leadership essential

But here’s the real punchline: for HR leaders, this isn’t just a personal growth strategy; it’s a strategic imperative. It’s a choice that nurtures emotional well-being, sets the stage for realistic expectations, and makes room for authentic connections. It’s leadership, productivity, and alignment, all rolled into one.

The practice of thinking space isn’t an abstract concept; it’s a tangible tool that has the power to revolutionise how HR leaders approach their roles. By intentionally carving out time for introspection, HR leaders can shift from reactive firefighting to strategic planning. This shift doesn’t only enhance their own personal growth; it directly impacts the success and happiness of the teams they lead.

In a world that seems to be sprinting non-stop, creating thinking space isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. It’s a practice that nurtures authenticity, fuels personal growth, and paves the way for success. And for HR leaders, it’s the game-changer that can make all the difference. So, when you find yourself buried beneath an avalanche of tasks, remember the power of thinking space. It might just be the catalyst for your next big breakthrough.

Donna McGeorge is the author of the ‘It’s About Time’ book series. Her latest book, ‘Join the ChatGPT Revolution’ (published by Wiley) was released in June 2023.