Many years ago, when I founded Immigrant Spirit, I was struggling to make the business work. I spent all days and many nights working: reaching out to people, sharing advice and building a community.
But somehow I couldn’t make the business sustainable. No matter how much I worked and how many clients I got: It never seemed to be enough to pay the bills – not even to mention about investing into growth and better service.
It was around the same time of the year as now – end of November or early December, that I decided that something had to give.
I cancelled all my plans for December. My calendar was as white as the snow that I could see from my desk – if I looked at a postcard from Switzerland, that was pinned below my computer screen. (It never really snows in Düsseldorf. All we get is a wet patch that will disappear after a day or two. But I digress.)
On 1th of December, early in the morning, before anyone else got up, I took a notepad and sat on my sofa. I didn’t speak, didn’t try to come up with anything – I just gave it time. Enough time to get bored. And then I gave it more time.
Boredome is a blessing.
Be bored long enough and your mind will find things to play with. Just like a child can transform a shoe box, a picture frame and a salad bowl into an epic space station, so can your mind combine seemingly unrelated items – and find a unique idea.
That’s where success is born.
I took a whole month to do nothing but think. And this “month of insight” turned my business from near bankcruptcy to a sustainable, high value business model that has served me well for over twelve years. (And along the way it helped over 200 international professionals find jobs in Germany.)
I do this every year now. All of December I do nothing but review my last year, ask myself what would really make me happy – and let that guide my plans for the next year.
More thinking. Less worry.
Here’s a quick win for you:
Make an appointment with yourself once per week. Three hours that are blocked. Where you are not available. No other meetings, phone calls or emails.
And then:
Sit and be bored.
You will be surprised what unique gifts your mind will create for you.
I wish you success.
Chris
PS: If you like to discuss what your mind comes up with – and form that idea into a concrete plan: Feel free to book an individual coaching session here.
“Career coach Chris Pyak says if he can do it, anyone can – that’s why his job is now helping others overcome such obstacles.”
BBC
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