In the insanely fast paced lives that most of us lead suggesting that you should add in time for reflection or quiet time would be launch an attack of virtual (or physical) stones being thrown at me. But, taking quiet time is an essential quality for leaders.  In several interviews with leaders and executives from all over the world, those such as President Obama, Bill Gates, and many others, they have mentioned the importance of taking quiet time for reflection, thinking, and planning.  For some, this may be on a daily basis while others may carve out time out of their week, month, quarter or year.

While I admit that I’m in the same boat as I would imagine most of you are so I fail to take this down time as often as I should.  That is exactly one of my favorite reasons for flying. After the laptop dies, I read all of the magazines and am tired of reading a book, I usually turn on chill, relaxed music (e.g. Boyz II Men, Usher, or something similar) and just blankly stare out of the window or close my eyes.  I find this is the time when I develop my next moves, develop new ideas for my clients, work through presentations or simply reflect.

I wish I could force this time into my schedule every day.  But, of course, the demands of work and life takeover and before I know it, there are a few hours left to grab a couple hours of sleep before it all starts over again.  It is something I’m striving to do more of now and have actually begun scheduling it into my calendar.  I find it that valuable.

Do you take quiet time to strategize, plan, think or just let your mind wonder? Do you find it valuable?  How do you fit it into your schedule and on what frequency?

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