168 hours.
Minus work.
Minus meals.
Minus chores.
Minus workouts.
Minus sleep and personal hygiene.
Minus the daily to commute to and from work.
That still leaves 31 hours per week. 10 1/2 during the week; 20 1/2 on weekends.
And zero hours towards having unproductive fun.
I mean, sure, I dabble on social media, “reading” on Twitter, but it always seems to turn towards professional learning. And while it has it’s benefits, it’s also a colossal waste of time and energy.
And sure, I play the occasional game of “Horse” or “Around the World” in the driveway with my kids, who are growing up too fast.
As the owner of an energetic pup, we take walks, and sit as I stroke her fur.
But in general, I’m realizing of late how my pride in being disciplined, productive, focused, and regimented in my habits may be limiting room for…fun.
The more I read and learn about highly productive leaders and learners, the more I am intrigued by this idea of savoring minutes and scheduling idle time. Engaging in the ideas from leaders like Cal Newport, Neil Pasricha, Dickie Bush, and Michael Hyatt have me wondering if in fact, one of the critical elements of being a strong leader is finding one’s flow.
Could flow actually involve not working, and in turn, make one better, when working?
I’m beginning to think so.
So now that I have my schedule managed for the minutes at work, I will begin to shift my focus towards what I will do with those 31 hours.
A few ideas:
Read, but for pleasure only. Perhaps fiction or poetry, or YA books like those the students in my school are enjoying. Just not for work. For fun.
Take mindful (technology-free) walks.
Catch a sunrise or sunset. Focus on gratitude. Invite the dog to join me.
Listen to music and explore playing a musical instrument. As longtime drummer, I have an appreciation for music in my life. Make more music.
Play board games and card games. Again, ditch the technology and get “back to basics” with some good old fashioned fun.
Go for a bike ride. Play tennis. Take a hike.
Have a baseball, frisbee, or football catch.
Volunteer dedicated community service hours.
Find and dedicate myself to a hobby, that I can start now and do for life.
With 31 hours each week, it’s time to be more mindful about “scheduling myself” for some more unproductive fun.
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