1-Minute Wednesday No. 153: Connect the Dots
While at Microsoft, Bill Gates used to set aside one week every six months to step back and focus on the big picture. He called it “Think Week”. During Think Week, he would read articles, catch up on the latest technology, and make plans for Microsoft's direction. He did this every year from 1980 through the height of Microsoft’s expansion.?(1)
Why did he do it?
One of the ways we solve the wrong problem is by coming up with quick-fix solutions. If you want to design a business, or a life, where the essential things get the primary focus and attention, you can’t just pull ideas out of thin air. You have to spend time understanding what you are trying to achieve. Only then can you evaluate the problems you face and the way forward.
Recently, I read of someone who took the concept of Think Week and created a think day once per month to connect the dots.?And this is what I’m encouraging you to do - take the time to create space to really think about your life, the problems you face, and the way forward.??
Here’s an easy way to do it:
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(1) JOURNAL, R.A.G.R. of T.W.S. (2005). In Secret Hideaway, Bill Gates Ponders Microsoft’s Future.?Wall Street Journal. [online] 28 Mar. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111196625830690477.
Senior Communications Manager, HSBC Malaysia
1 年This is a great idea - thanks for the tips. I think now more than ever with the never-ending to do lists both at work and in your personal life, its good to take time to really look at what we are doing and evaluate where we are at vs where we want to go. Good reminder for me!
Helping You Elevate Your Mindset & Leadership Skills to the Next Level | Executive Coach | Trained 100+ Businesses like Amazon, Coco-Cola & Paypal | Board of Director ICF PC | Corporate Trainer
1 年That's a brilliant idea. I plan my week this way, pick up all the important things for that week and just focus on the most important ones (not necessarily the urgent ones). Makes a huge difference.
Self-Mastery Coach → Break Free from Self-Sabotage and Become the Fearless Dreamer You Were Meant to Be! ??Host of Rawsome Parents Podcast
1 年What a great idea! Taking some time to reflect can help us see the bigger picture. It can help us understand the situation we're in and what steps we need to take next. Greg McKeown ??
Experienced Risk Manager | Consultant ? Process Improvement | Change Management | Efficiency Optimization
1 年Excellent!!!!