A lot of these ideas come from the book A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt. Fun fact: Juliet is the daughter of Alan Funt, the creator of the hilarious Candid Camera TV show from years ago!
These days, it feels like everything is stealing our time, making it so much harder to think clearly. We stay so busy that we often miss out on ideas that could really make a difference in our lives. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that quiet time is wasted time, it’s actually when we’re at our best! There’s something amazing about that refreshed feeling we get when we completely relax our minds.
Back when I was a college wrestler at the University of Illinois, I saw firsthand how important it was to take time to recover between tough workouts and matches. The same applies to everyday life! When fatigue creeps in, everything gets harder. That’s why it’s so helpful to step away for a bit between meetings, take a breath, and jot down any important insights. Even just a five-minute pause can make a huge difference in how smoothly things flow.
And here’s the key—taking a break doesn’t mean checking emails or scrolling through social media! Real relaxation is letting your mind wander, chatting with a friend, or just unwinding for a moment. Creating “white space” gives your brain a chance to spark new ideas. One of my favorite quotes from A Minute to Think is from Dee Hock, the founder of Visa: “Make an empty space in any corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it.”
One simple habit that can help? Checking emails less often! Set specific times to read and respond, then stick to it. You’ll be amazed at how much more freedom you feel.
I hope this message helps you reclaim some creativity in your life!