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Take The Ten Minute Challenge

9 December 2009

When was the last time you took ten minutes out of your day to reflect on progress made?

We often talk about the need to ‘reflect’ and the truth is that we often fail to do any. I will be the first to hold my hand up and agree to that statement. Luckily for me though, I was reminded of the power of being reflective a few days ago, when meeting with a writing colleague. We talked about my writing progress and although I was pleased to report that I was typing out my next book at great speed, the wrinkle of her brow and the kindly, but thoughtful, smile made me realise that I needed to stop. Stop writing, take a step back and look at the work so far. Like a sculptor gazing thoughtfully at a half hacked marble bust, with his chisel held aloft, paused.

The key here is that I know how to stop and think. I know how to pause and check a manuscript and hold it up to the light to see how it flows and whirls. I know all this and in my headlong haste I had forgotten to do it. Silly me.

And that’s the point. It’s no good knowing what to do it if you don’t do it. I needed to spend time with my friend to help remind me of the need to stop.

So, here is a friendly challenge. When you arrive at work tomorrow, set your mobile phone alarm to bleep later on that day to remind you to go to a new meeting. The only person in the meeting will be you and the agenda has one item on it: Quiet thinking and reflection. It’ll be a great meeting and perhaps the best ten minutes of your day. I’ll be interested to hear how well you get on …and I might have a go myself…sounds like a fun challenge!

Tags: thinking, tip, writing