Taking Time to THINK

Most likely, you have spent countless hours brainstorming a strategic plan to kick off a new social account, campaign or product. Once it is time to roll out your hard-thinking idea, what do you think about next? The textbook answer is to constantly be thinking how to improve the idea and to keep it new. What is the more honest, common answer? Next, we spend time thinking about all the actions to keep our idea working while struggling to find the time to give it the same creative juice as it received from the start.

Among meetings, emails, content calendars and scheduling, it can be difficult to prioritize time to just stop and think. As the communications industry is always changing and improving, not allowing yourself time to catch up can create an endless cycle of falling behind. Even the best idea can grow old in minutes. Even if it holds true for months, there is always room for new perspectives and additions.

I know what you are thinking. Of course, you know this to be true, but how is it possible to accomplish with a filled schedule? It’s time to buckle down and value the impact of your thinking. Below are ideas to keep your mind on track.
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1. Make thinking a deadline. When it is hard to prioritize thinking due to all your pressing deadlines, make it a deadline of its own. It could be daily, weekly or monthly, whatever works best for you. As you discover the best way to get into your creative mind set, no matter how that looks for you, give it a due date. You will begin to realize you find more available time to be productive. Whether it is on your walk to lunch or your drive home from work, you will find more motivation to turn any time into a productive brainstorm crossing off a task.
2. Schedule a meeting. Schedule a block of time like you normally would a meeting to stop working and think. This time could mean cleaning your workspace, scribbling on a piece of paper or expanding on that idea you thought of in the middle of dinner the night before.
3. Disconnect. As we constantly connect with one another and consume information, it can be easy to let the notifications push our ideas or thoughts out of reach. Try stepping away from emails, your phone or any other distractions for a few minutes. See what your mind is capable of when let loose and protected from interruptions or multitasking.
4. Change it up. Our desk’s surroundings can only inspire us so many times. Occasionally change your scenery to clear your routine. Take a walk around the office or building, simply look out a window or take a quick ride in the elevator. Sometimes getting outside the office can mean getting outside your head.

Always taking information in without taking any time to process is no way to work or live. Treat your mind with the respect it deserves and let it wander. Your work will thank you.