We fail to slow down and think. Therefore, we become efficient at doing what is useless. We fill our days with things that do not matter. All the while we are wondering why we are getting nowhere.
To be more, feel more, have more, and see more, we rush through life. We try to do as much as possible, to achieve as much as possible, to get as much money as possible, so that we can do whatever we want.
We might spend 20 minutes deciding on which restaurant to go to, where we only spend one to two hours. We work for 40-50 years, but we’re probably spending less than a week in total deciding how we want to live our lives. When it comes to what to do with our lives, we drift like leaves on a river.
The 1-Hour Think
Recently I started doing one-hour sessions of thinking whenever I am at a fork in a road (bigger decision than what to have for dinner). This has already changed my life radically.
I do it because I want to do what is essential for me, not what the herd is doing. I am curious by nature and I want to do new things all the time, which puts pressure on me to make thoughtful decisions.
The 1-Hour Think has helped me:
- Say the magical word “no” more often
- Be more clear about my values and goals
- Find synergies between tasks and goals
- Find incompatibilities between tasks and goals
- Reduce my working hours, while improving effectiveness
- Become more calm
- Create strong habits
How to Do The 1-Hour Think
Step 1 – Thinking Tools
The tools I use for The 1-Hour Think is a notebook, preferably A4, a pen, a cup of coffee, and my brain.
Step 2 – Thinking Spot
I find a comfortable place to sit, think, and write. Usually, it is the comfortable chair I have in the corner of my office.
Step 3 – Thinking Subject
I have a list on Evernote of all the subjects I want to think deeply about. Whether I am on a bus, listening to a podcast, or staring blankly into nothingness, when I have an idea for what I need to think deeply about, I write it down. When I start my 1-Hour Think, I go through the list to find the subject that is most important for me at this moment. Usually, it is obvious.
Step 4 – Important Aspects
I start by writing all the important aspects to consider in relation to the thinking subject. Usually I consider my goals, my values, synergies, incompatibilities, important questions, and how I can make it into a regular practice. Also, there are usually some additional aspect unique to whatever I am thinking about.
Becoming Better at the 1-Hour Think
When you do The 1-Hour Think regularly, you become better at it; you become more clear about your values and goals; you start doing what is essential; you ask better questions; and you become more clear about your path in life.
Try doing it several times a week.
Slow down, think.
