Why Leaders Who Take “Think Days” Rule

“On matters of style, swim with the current. On matters of principle, stand like a rock.” I used to nod along when I heard this quote, believing that substance matters more than style.

But over the years, I’ve learned that style and substance are intertwined.

Expressing ourselves creatively doesn’t just make work more fun — it makes us better at what we do.

When I first started my career, I was laser-focused on learning the principles of my field. I read deeply, took careful notes, and practised the fundamentals.

My work was competent but uninspired.

Then I started noticing the creative ways my mentors expressed themselves. One advisor always told colourful stories, bringing dry research to life.

Another peppered her talks with art and music, engaging our emotions. Their creative flair not only made their messages stick, but it unlocked new insights.

Creativity became my calling card as I developed my own voice.

I found playful ways to explain complex topics and quirky metaphors to illuminate counterintuitive ideas. Colleagues told me my writing style was distinctive and memorable.

Participants said my classes and workshops were the most interesting ones they took. Without realizing it, I was swimming with the current of creative self-expression — and it buoyed my ability to stand like a rock on matters of principle.

As leaders and entrepreneurs, we often move too fast to think deeply.

We race from one fire drill to the next, rarely pausing to reflect. If we want to do our best work, we need time for deliberate thinking. That’s why I schedule one day per month for solitude and reflection. I call it my Think Day.

On Think Days, I seclude myself from the demands of everyday work. I turn off devices, clear my calendar, and create space to step back. I spend the day immersed in thinking — no distractions allowed.

Think Days unlock new personal and professional growth, much like Bill Gates’ legendary Think Weeks.

Here are five reasons why Think Days can help visionary founders like you scale new heights:

1. See the Bigger Picture

The daily hustle of startup life narrows our vision. We get trapped reacting to emergencies and can’t see past next week’s goals. Think Days let us zoom out and see the bigger picture. When we escape the weeds, we ponder the why behind the what — our purpose, vision, and overarching strategy. Think Days keep us from losing the forest for the trees.

2. Spark Creative Insights

Creativity thrives on space and serendipity. When we unplug on Think Days, our minds wander freely, making unexpected connections. Without pressure to produce immediate results, inspiration strikes. Think Days unlock our most innovative ideas, which we can develop when we plug back in. Downtime is fertile ground for creative epiphanies.

3. Recharge Mental Energy

Our brains fatigue like muscles after intense effort. But just as muscles need recovery time to rebuild strength, brains need recharging too. Think Days give our minds a chance to rest, renew, and refuel. After refreshing your mental energy, you’ll return with enhanced clarity, focus, and willpower for the road ahead.

4. Gain Perspective

The daily grind instills tunnel vision: we become consumed by immediate tasks instead of long-term goals. On Think Days, we attain altitude to see the bigger landscape. Zooming out allows us to view challenges more objectively and gain perspective. Think Days are crucial for course-correcting when we’ve lost our way.

5. Cultivate Well-Being

Success requires both performance and well-being. But founders often sacrifice health and happiness for growth at any cost. Think Days prioritize enrichment and joy — essential nutrients for a thriving life. Reflection replenishes our spirits so we can serve others from a full cup. Think Days make space for creativity and renewal.

My monthly Think Days keep me aligned with my purpose and progressing toward my highest goals. They ground me, energize me, inspire me, and expand my vision. Think Days unlock the next level of my leadership and life.

I invite you to try this ritual by scheduling your own Think Day — one day per month to step back from professional demands. Seclude yourself, shut off devices, and spend the day immersed in deliberate thinking. If one full day feels like too much, start with a half day and build from there.

Think Days will pay dividends for years to come. Free time is a call option on future opportunities. Go all in on investing in yourself. Your future self — and all those you serve — will thank you.

© Buzzedison

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