Why It’s Important To Waste Time

When asked what it was like to be blind, Helen Keller said, “It's
much better to have no sight than it is not to have a vision.”


 


While some people seem to be born with a clear vision for their
life that naturally morphs into their career and inspires their
team, most of us have to take the time to allow our vision to
emerge. Interestingly, the difficulty in creating a vision isn’t
what we think it is.


 


Creating a clear picture of a desired future that inspires us
requires a two-pronged approach: being and doing. We’re very good
at doing, and lack intensely in being and noticing. Few allow
themselves the time to do the mundane tasks that provoke
awareness and cause (day)dreaming, critical elements in the
visioning process.


 


(Day)dreaming feels like a waste of time because it lacks a sense
of accomplishment. And, being present to our thoughts is almost
always anxiety producing and uncomfortable. In a community that
almost exclusively celebrates doing over being, such a focus is
both foreign and uncomfortable.


 


While doing leaves us with a clear sense of accomplishment,
noticing what triggers emotion inside of us does not. Yet, it’s
noticing what triggers our emotions that gives us the fuel
necessary to not only create a vision, but see it through to
completion.


 


Twelve years ago, I was angry with seasoned professionals, who
clearly did not understand that my intention was to do a good
job, contribute, and help the team succeed. Instead, I came
across as needy, unwilling to pay my dues, and entitled. That
last one really irritated me.


 


“Why shouldn’t we all be entitled to give every ounce of what we
have to offer,” I thought, soon after I quit my job and started
researching. It was anger that fueled my research, curiosity, and
passion. Had I ignored or suppressed my anger, I doubt I would
have helped dozens of leaders to bridge the gap between
generations.


 


It was my realization that every person, regardless of
generation, wants to contribute and feel the joy that comes from
a sense of accomplishment that lead me to provoking greatness.
When I see blinders to greatness, I want to shatter them.


 


This irritation (passion) probably also has to do with going from
standing in front of a judge in juvenile court as a youngster, to
breaking recorders in sports, and ultimately finishing three
degrees before starting this business. We all have greatness
inside of us, and many of us are waiting for permission
(provocation) to share/live it.


 


It’s this realization that leads me to being purposeful and
intentional with where I spend my time every day. When the ego
gives way to greatness, and a whole team courageously steps into
their passion (upping their game), waves of joy wash over me—it’s
the reason I do this work. And there’s no way I would have ever
gotten to such clarity had I ignored my irritation and stayed in
that job.


 


Considering our comfort with doing, I want to offer a few,
seemingly mundane, activities that lend themselves to noticing,
being and daydreaming. Here they are:


 
Make a commitment of going once or twice a week, and then get
yourself there. Just do it. Grab a coloring book and give yourself
a few hours to color. Go someplace you’ve never gone, and have an
experience you’ve never had. Doing so will give you new perspective
on yourself and the world. This does not need to include an
airplane or hotel stay, though it’s fun when it does! Meet up
groups are a great way to experience a variety of trails with
others. You can always do the trails on your own later, if flying
solo on a new trail isn’t comfortable. For some (often men), this
looks like messing around with projects in the garage. For others
(often women), this looks like cooking, crocheting, or making
stuff.

 


The key is to pick an activity that is meditative, and allows you
to do while noticing your thoughts. 


 


Here’s to your greatness,


 


Misti Burmeister


 


P.S. If you’d like to attract the NFL players of your industry
and aren’t sure where to begin, check out my latest book.