My day job takes all of my brain power. I am plugged into it, completely focused on it. As we team out several shifts, changes, and improvement initiatives, I am totally working in that business.
So, after I am done each weekday, or on the weekends, I found the best way to keep finding new ideas is to set a specific time(s) that is best for me to unplug and then plug my brain into reading, learning and writing down my thoughts about what I have learned. I like to apply what I have learned in my journal as I work out the day’s happenings and if it is the Saturday AM learning and writing block, I make larger notes that include plans, lists, and things I can use in my day job and in my personal life.
In the evenings I love to read before bed. I try to read 1 chapter of a non-fiction book about a subject I am interested in. Then, it’s fiction! I love getting engrossed in a new world that is unlike my own and from the imagination of another person. In that way, my brain then gets some creative juices from another person, which is fun.
Unplugging, learning new things, writing about them in my journal, and blogging plus other conversations help expand my brain around new ideas and in the end bring so much enjoyment and benefits to my life.
Summary:
- I spend alone time in the mornings and read a few key blogs and also follow a few research-based newsletters.
- Block time on Saturday mornings when the family is asleep to read, think, and write.
- I read a book for learning and a book for fun.
- I try to put myself into my previous roles and think about what I would have done then knowing what I know now.
- Write notes, lists, and plans applying my new learning.
- Laugh at my mistakes and dream about what’s next.
What are you going to read and write about?
Jason A. Belt 