Challenging projects require intense focus. But focusing intensely can be exactly the wrong thing to do sometimes.
Leaning in
When the going gets tough, many drop out. That’s why a lot of projects fail. That’s why succeeding is hard – and worthwhile.
Which reminds me of a favorite quote: “Stormy waters favor strong swimmers.”
That’s why, when you’ve got a real problem to solve or some other real challenge, and you want to persevere, you “lean into” the problem. You embrace the difficulty. You immerse yourself in the work, with a keen eye kept on the goal. You push through the hard times for the greater good. And that is what often makes the difference between success and failure.
Clarity and space
While leaning in and doing the work is the right thing to do, it can cloud your vision. Getting so close to the problem can blind you to some solutions. Spending a lot of time in the trees can limit your ability to see the forest.
Creating some space can help. Getting physically, mentally, and emotionally away from the project, the problem, the environment can allow the solutions to present themselves more readily. Giving your subconscious a chance to have a go at the problem, uninterrupted by the conscious focus on the problem, might just be the thing that helps tip the scales back in your favor for the long haul.
Going for a bike ride works for me. The focus on the present moment, the terrain, the traffic, my heart rate, effort, and the space I’m riding through creates a flow of consciousness unencumbered by daily tasks and specific thoughts of what to do next. It creates just the sort of space for ideas to flow through. And they do. Often the best ones.
What do you do to create space for yourself to receive ideas?
Photo credit: Nicholas T
