[Planning]: How to Make Space for Big-PIcture Thinking, Ep. 972
Aug 23, 2023
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Learn about the significance of planning and the drawbacks of neglecting deep thinking. Explore the concept of a 'Shultz Hour' for big-picture thinking and blocking off dedicated time for it. Discover how to create designated time for big picture thinking and make it a collaborative experience.
The Schultz Hour, a dedicated hour of uninterrupted thinking and reflection, can help individuals focus on big ideas and challenges without distractions and interruptions.
Having a Schultz Hour or dedicated time for big picture thinking allows individuals to prioritize goals, projects, and personal growth that often get neglected in the busyness of daily life and provides a space for creative and strategic thinking.
Deep dives
The Importance of Planning and Time Management
Planning is crucial for deciding how to spend your time and ensuring you can do the things that matter to you. It helps create a bubble around your intentions and prevents other tasks from encroaching on your priorities. However, plans can change, make you future-oriented, or feel restrictive. Throughout the week, the podcast will provide tips to address these downsides of planning.
The Schultz Hour: Creating Time for Big Thinking
George Shultz, former Secretary of State, popularized the practice of blocking off an hour of time dedicated to deep thinking and reflection. The Schultz Hour allows individuals to think about bigger ideas, questions, situations, and challenges without interruptions. Having a dedicated time slot and keeping a list of topics to ponder can foster inspiration and intuition. The length and location of the Schultz Hour can vary, but consistency in reserving time for this type of thinking is key.
The Benefits of Carving Out Time for Big Picture Thinking
Having a Schultz Hour or a dedicated time for big picture thinking provides several benefits. It allows individuals to focus on essential considerations, such as goals, projects, and personal growth, that they may not address in the day-to-day hustle. Finding a quiet, distraction-free environment and pairing the Schultz Hour with an existing routine can help establish the habit. Starting a list of topics to contemplate during this time can enhance productivity and provide a space for creative and strategic thinking.
This week I’m sharing ways to make planning less stressful and more happy-making.
Today’s big idea is that there’s a type of planning that most of us don’t even think to make room for on our calendars, but that can help us do our best thinking and ensure that we pay good attention to the things that matter most (and that tend to get drowned out in a typical day). It’s called the Shultz Hour–listen to the episode for all the details!