Welcome to 2025: let's find a new rythm.

Rhythm. It sounds simple, but it is a powerful principle that shapes our lives. Whether it is the rhythm of your favourite Christmas carol, the dynamics of a holiday, the rest you need during a vacation, or the cadence of an entire year, rhythm is more than just repetition. It is the way we experience time, distribute our energy and give meaning to our days.

Welcome to the new year!

The rhythm of a year

The seasons are all about rhythm - the transition from winter to spring, from summer to autumn - and this rhythm influences the way we live, work and rest. By aligning ourselves with the rhythms of nature, we can achieve a better balance between productivity and recovery.

The rhythms of the year are marked by rituals and festivals. These markers not only give meaning to time, but also help to unite the community and maintain a collective rhythm. We can apply this idea to our own lives by structuring the year in a way that is in balance with natural rhythms.

Tip: Make an outline of the year and for each season (or quarter) write down what you want to achieve and how you will get there. Make it concrete.

Rhythm of Rest

Rest is not an interruption of the rhythm, but an essential part of it. Our bodies follow rhythms - from sleep to activity, from eating to resting. In ancient times there was a natural rhythm of activity and rest, in tune with the cycles of nature. In the modern world, we often lose touch with this rhythm, which can lead to burnout and lack of balance.

This rhythm not only provides structure, but also the space to recover and recuperate. Too often we are always on, when pauses, like the silence between notes in music, are essential to our wellbeing.

Tip: What is your rhythm of rest and how can you make it concrete in your diary? Regularly block out time to do nothing, to relax or to exercise. Wherever you can find your rest and recuperation.

The rhythm of a project

A project or investigation also has its own rhythm. There are periods of exploration and excitement, followed by periods of deeper analysis, reflection and revision. It is important to monitor the progress of a project and to find the right rhythm for consultation and alignment, feedback and evaluation.

Many successful projects follow a rhythm of intense focus, interspersed with moments of 'incubation' - periods when ideas can mature and your brain can take a break from the immediate task at hand. This cyclical process is important for achieving both creative breakthroughs and focused progress. The rhythm of a project not only helps you to stay focused, but also to build in appropriate moments of relaxation and reflection.

Tip: In addition to the meetings you need to have to discuss the progress of the research, think about the time you need to spend together to bond, to get to know the people in the team, to get to know each other on a more personal level. You'll find that trust and communication will improve if you include non-work time, such as a meal or drink after a meeting.

Rhythm in team dynamics

In a team, rhythm is essential for progress and overall momentum. The rhythm of communication and contact, whether in meetings, feedback sessions or daily interactions, has a direct impact on how well a team functions. Finding the right rhythm of shared moments - regular contact, but not too much pressure - allows a team to work together optimally.

This rhythm can be compared to dancing together. When we dance, it is not only important to make the right moves, but also to perform them in the same rhythm. This creates a sense of connection, alignment and cooperation. The same applies to team dynamics: aligning with the rhythm of your team members not only gets you further, but also strengthens the relationships between them and creates a common purpose.

Anthropologists point to the common rhythms in different cultures - for example, in the dances of African communities, where rhythm is a fundamental element of communal communication. The dancers follow the drummers and the drummers follow the dancers; the rhythm becomes a conversation between the dancers and the drummers. This shared rhythm is essential for creating a tight-knit group that works effectively together.

Tip: After the first few meetings, check with the team whether the frequency and form still feel right. You may need to change your rhythm a few times before you find the right frequency, length and form of meetings you need to work best as a team.

Explore your personal rhythm

Understanding your own rhythm can be a powerful way to manage your time and energy. Some people work best in the early morning, while others find their flow later in the day. Recognising your natural rhythms can help you better align your working day, week and year with what you need.

Tip: Observe your own rhythms. When do you feel most creative and energetic? When do you need to rest? Plan your time according to the rhythms that work for you. Include moments of productivity, but also moments of rest and reflection.

Conclusion

More than just a personal experience, rhythm is the key to organising time, improving collaboration and creating a dynamic that is both productive and harmonious. Whether you are working alone, consulting, resting, undertaking a project or working with a team, the rhythm of your actions affects your work and your well-being.

By incorporating rhythm into all aspects of your life, from work to personal time, you create not only a healthy balance, but also a deeper sense of connection with those around you. Just like in dance, finding the same rhythm together is the basis for alignment, collaboration and ultimately success.

The rhythm of my newsletters in 2024 was weekly. In this new year, I will adjust this rhythm to reflect my workload, which has increased in the last few months since the release of the GIJN Guide, and the rest I need to devise, prepare and deliver training sessions, among other things. From now on, I will be sending you a slightly longer newsletter every two weeks, to give me a bit more time, but also to go a bit deeper into the subject I want to share with you.

I wish you all a successful, healthy and balanced year!

Happy collaborating!