One of the most dysfunctional - and brilliant - men I ever worked for hung this quote on a hook in my brain: "Thought is the most productive form of work." I really believed this, although it was hard to pass "thought" off as "work." To "think" means to lolligag, to prop up one's feet, to daydream, to appear - well - worthless. This doesn't go over well with our compadres who confuse "busy'ness" with business at work.

After my dad's death - and because it was already planned - I took the month of July off. This month, I realized that THOUGHT is NOT the most productive form of work. Our minds are dangerous places. As one of my gal-pals says, "My mind is like a dark alley; I try not to go in there alone."

We can get caught in thought. If you've ever had an idea or problem lodged in your brain - just circling through the same outcomes, limits, and scenarios - you know EXACTLY what I'm saying. We run mental laps around the same track, making no progress at all.

So I'm here to tell you: Thought is NOT the most productive form of work. PLAY is. PLAY engages all of our senses. It moves muscles other than our cerebrums. PLAY rejuvenates, makes room for risk, and reminds us what it is to feel truly alive.

This month I painted rocks with a five and a seven year old. I threw my partner over my shoulder and into the pool. I participated in a twenty minute pillow fight, and played tag until I was laughing too hard to stand up.

And an amazing thing happened: I returned to work with more energy than I've had in months. I had a clear idea of what was important (relationships with clients and value partners) and what wasn't (memorizing every piece of information in newspaper back-issues.) I took action on creating the office space I really want, instead of settling for the one I have. I'm renewed. It was like someone hit CTRL+ALT+DEL on my creative cortex.

So there you have it...THOUGHT is not the most productive form of work. PLAY is. Engage your senses; make time for play. You'll work better for it.

 

 

Comments