The Most Important 15 Minutes of your Life
December 4, 2007 9:21 AM
The most obvious and noticeable observation on returning to the UK after 3 weeks in France, is the frenetic pace of life people lead in the UK. Almost from the minute you hit the M23, everyone seems in such a desperate hurry; and this was at 11.00 pm in the evening.
And so it is in the workplace, as well. No one seems to have any time any more to stop and think. Everyone seems to be moving at breakneck speed, just to keep up. As a consequence of which, I've been having rather too many conversations of late with stressed out workers, who just can't see the wood for the trees. Whether it's a case of not enough hours in the day, or just too much to do, the theme and the sentiment are one and the same. So, just imagine the reaction when I suggest to them that they take 15 minutes each day for themselves.
15 minutes a day. That's a mere 900 seconds.
The predictable responses have been anything from the ridiculous to the absurd. But consider for a moment what 15 minutes each day actually represents. Given an average day (and no one works an average day these days), of 8 hours; that's 480 minutes. 15 minutes represents a lowly 3.125% of the working day. Even though employment legislation requires individuals to take a lunch break, many choose not to, simply because of the pressure of work. Consequently, it's a real struggle to persuade people to set aside 15 minutes of downtime for themselves. This downtime, or 'self time', as I call it, is just not considered important enough by most, as they absorb themselves in their tasks of the day.
However, 15 minutes of time dedicated exclusively to oneself is surprisingly refreshing and relaxing. It's the equivalent of holding one's breath 15 times, since most people average out at around a minute. It is in essence, 15 minutes of meditation within the maelstrom of the work environment. It reinvigorates the spirit and regenerates enthusiasm and energy. It's the blink of an eye in a long days' work, and lifetime when it's yours to do with what you will. Whether it's listening to an i-pod (or equivalent), reading a book, going for a walk or staring out of a window. Choosing what to do with one's 15 minutes each day becomes an ever increasing and enjoyable challenge. One which, with practice, you'll look forward to with as much anticipation as you will the tasks and assignments which make up the working day.
Comments
You are so right Charlie, time to stand and stare is just as good as thinking time. It will keep mind and body working together.
Lynne Coombe - December 27, 2007 12:30 PM
Couldn't agree more. How often have you found yourself knee-deep in a project, having got everything up to date, only to have the client change tack at the last minute and then call your mobile to find out if you have received his/her email which had only been sent 5 mins ago and requires an urgent answer as he/she is "going into a meeting"?
I blame it on "Big Bang" technology. Children are now empowered to make decisions but don't appear to recognise the value of thinking things through before reacting with a knee-jerk just to impress the boss. Take a bit of time and you will produce quality decisions.
Gordon Millar - January 4, 2008 12:35 PM
Many thanks for your kind comments and observations, Lynne and Gordon; although Gordon, I would say that technology has enabled us make faster choices, but not necessarily better ones.
Thinking time should always be preferenced over techno-choice.
Charlie - January 7, 2008 11:18 AM
Charlie, you certainly have a very good idea, however whether it will 'catch on' with all those companies that want their pound of flesh, I don't know. We are all expected to go over and above what our job descriptions (which don't actually reflect the true jobs that we all do) say and work those extra 30 minutes every day.
It would certainly be a refreshing change to come across a company that agrees with and actively encourages this 15 minutes of "self time".
Philippa Capstick - January 15, 2008 9:38 AM
Indeed, many companies do expect more than their pound of flesh, Philippa. However, 15 minutes of self-time, is not your employer's gift to you; it's yours to yourself. Employers are never going to look a gift horse in the mouth and of course will encourage employees to work beyond their contracted hours for free, as long as they can get away with it. There are also many employees who will do as little as possible for their employers, for as long as they can get away with it. It cuts both ways; but for those who are committed to their job and their employer, one of the most productive ways to repay them is by taking some reflective time for yourself each day. Any employer who does not understand, rejects or discourages that principle, probably isn't worth your continued support.
Charlie - January 15, 2008 10:10 AM