Many people took a snow day earlier this week in the northeastern U.S. Of course, like thousands of others, I worked from home. And I enjoyed flowing with rhythm of the day.
I noticed that I got more done in less time. This was hard to believe, but it certainly got my attention. Work-related calls were shorter and had a slower pace. The amount of email exchanged was easily cut in half. A less urgent edge replaced the hurried pace of the typical business day.
Why did this happen? Maybe it was the weariness people feel as winter ends and spring begins. Maybe it was the surprise of so much snow and ice in the middle of March. Maybe people just needed to take a breather.
How often do we take advantage of the tempo of a day like this?
Certainly, a significant reason why people were able to down shift is that it crept over us like a group cadence. It was awful being outside because of the fierce winds and sleet. It was too treacherous to be on the roads. The only practical thing was to stay inside.
It’s hard to replicate this when you function in a “business as usual” environment. But nothing prevents you from occasionally adopting the rhythm I just described when you need a day to focus on something that is important but not especially urgent.
Consciously shift to a more moderate pace and remove yourself from the frantic activities that normally surround you. You’ll accomplish better strategic work, that is, work that desperately needs “think time” rather than scurry time.
When you experience the success of a day like this, you’ll look forward to the next one. And it doesn’t even need to be a snow day.
Have a great day!
