Routine and Rhythm (R&R) type 1: The weekly meeting with teams can sometimes become boring and predictable. The month gone by, filled with holidays and festivities disrupted that routine, and many of the recurring regular catch-up sessions did not happen. I did not realise how much they mattered to me till they disappeared from my life. The routine gives me a sense that is well in the world. The catch-up with my colleague helps me feel connected to them, and the sense of belonging that brings is powerful. The routine creates a rhythm that helps me and my team get into a flow state. Habits build results.
Rest and Relaxation (R&R) type 2: A change of pace and scenery on the other hand is rejuvenating. Fresh ideas and possibilities emerge. As much as I value and appreciate the routine and rhythm, a change of pace and scenery holds the power to unlock new possibilities. Some of my best ideas often pop up when I am away from my workspace. The rested mind is fertile ground for new ideas to flourish.
I met a friend for a morning walk. He took me home to meet his better half and over a cup of coffee I got to know her. As she talked about the work she does and she saw how interested I was in something called an “Insights Discovery Evaluator” that helps generate a personality or leadership profile, she offered to help me get to know myself better. I now have an “insight report” about myself. This got me thinking about how I could share the same benefit with my team and how we could collaborate better if we all had these insights about each other.
A lot happens over a cup of coffee. Possibilities emerge. Dots connect and just like that a new chain of events is taking place that shapes my future. I changed my routine and walked down a different road in a different city and that made the difference.
This tells me I need both kinds of R&R. The first kind (Routine and Rhythm) which is the promise of order and ordinary has a lot to offer. It keeps me disciplined, focused, and connected to people and processes that matter to me.
The second kind of R&R (Rest and Relaxation) is where Innovation and serendipity come out to play. Where I let my guard down and engage in new ways with new people. Where I have fun and do stuff because I enjoy it, and from that place often emerges new and interesting opportunities that can be integrated into the life I am building.
Too much of anything is bad. Finding the right balance between all these Rs seems to be the key to growth and good living. Which kind of R&R do you need to make some space for?
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