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?
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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