Mastering Clarity: What I Learned During My Think Week

I took 2.5 days last week to clear my mind. A self-holiday while everyone else was grinding it out - it felt great, and it also taught me both how hard it is to unplug from our tech addiction, but also the benefit of self-care. In a world that glorifies constant productivity and the hustle, it's easy to forget the incredible power of stepping away from the routine and embracing a think week or even just a few days of solitude. My personal belief is this is something you do on your own, not with a partner, not with a friend, not with the kids - with yourself.

Bill Gates, a name synonymous with innovation and success, knows the value of a think week all too well, and in some ways has popularised this concept in recent years. He famously sets aside two separate one-week breaks each year to escape the daily grind, seclude himself in a cabin, and dive deep into reading and thinking. During these retreats, he immerses himself in books, armed only with pen and paper. No emails, no meetings, no distractions. Just contemplation.

So, why should you consider taking a page from Gates' playbook and embark on your own think week or retreat? The answer lies in the power of solitude, nature, and self-reflection.

Research shows that spending time in nature can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. The tranquility of natural surroundings has a calming effect on the mind, which, in turn, promotes mental clarity. In a world filled with constant noise and digital distractions, the stillness of nature can be a powerful remedy.

During my recent self-imposed 2.5 day retreat - I spent time in the forest hanging on a hammock, going the sauna, sitting near the beach, reading and journaling. I find that only on my own - and with some quiet, I could find "perspective". It was by having nothing on my calendar and letting my intuition guide the itinerary for those days - that eventually made me feel calm enough to reflect from a birds eye view.

Here is one thing that happened: I was reading a book by Naval Ravikant and he pointed out that if something is your top priority, you just do it. And there was something in my life - namely quality time with my partner - that I wasn't doing enough of, yet I say it's a top priority. It made me realise I need to rethink how I spend my time. This seems really simple, but the point I wanna get across is that I needed time on my own with not much to do, to remember this simple answer. Life's most important lessons tend to be the most simple ones.

Now, you might be wondering how to make this happen for yourself. It's not about extravagant trips to remote islands (thought it could be); it's about carving out time and space for yourself, away from your usual surroundings. Bring along a book that intrigues you, a notebook, and your favourite pen. If you need to reflect on life, sometimes it’s really handy to have some frameworks or questions to jot down and ponder on. I’m a fan of August Bradley 's review system (here is a video you can jump into). If you want to simplify even further and have an easy starting point; you can take a piece of paper - at the top write, "what am I certain, makes for a happy life?" Below, on the left write “thing I know are important” and on the right write “how am i doing?”. How am I doing should be a 1-10 ranking and the things you know are important could be: Yoga, 8 hours of sleep, Spending time with family, deep work … These are some of mine, you will know what’s yours.

Managers, take note! Encourage your team members to embark on their own think weeks or retreats. Recognise that these breaks can lead to increased productivity, fresh perspectives, and ultimately, better work. Support your employees in finding the balance between hard work and self-care. Sometimes changing your city or country can offer the conditions for this type of reflection. The cost of burnout is really high to everyone (40% of desk workers feel burnt out) - this is a great way to ensure people don't hit their breaking point.

The power of a think week or a few days of retreat should not be underestimated. It's a chance to unplug, find tranquility in nature, and unlock the potential for clarity and creativity within yourself. Bill Gates and many other high performers have harnessed this power to their advantage. Now, it's your turn to embrace the silence, engage with your thoughts, and return to your daily life with newfound inspiration and empowerment.