Why Successful Businesses Create Space to Think

During February I’ve been listening to BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room.

Some brilliant artists. Some great tracks.

But it was something the band James said that caught my attention.

They’d gone to a log cabin overlooking the Yorkshire Dales to write.

Not by accident.

Not because it was trendy.

Because they wanted the environment to inspire new music.

They were intentional about creating space to ‘think’.

‘Thinking Time’ is so important in business – or at least, sustainably successful businesses.

And it reminded me of something important.

Every promotion you’ve ever run…

Every layout change you’ve made…

Every new line you introduced…

Your business as or where it is now…

It all started out as a thought.

Before the graft.

Before the spreadsheets.

Before the risk.

Just an idea.

I’ve always believed you have to create thinking space on purpose.

The right environment.

The right headspace.

Time without interruption.

Because when you get intentional with your thinking, better ideas appear.

Not accidental ones. Better ones.

Yes, action matters.

But action without thought is just busyness.

Whether it’s a quiet room at home, half an hour in the office before anyone arrives, a log cabin in the Dales… or, for me this week, a beach in the Bahamas…

Find your space.

Your next breakthrough probably won’t arrive when you’re rushing between customers.

Because here’s the truth.

James didn’t stumble across a hit record by accident.

They stepped away.

They gave themselves space.

Then they wrote it.

Your next “hit record” won’t happen by chance either.

But it will start the same way.

With intentional thinking time.

Over to you.

Have a great week.

Mark