Call a time-out

ACTIVITY without reflection leads to burnout. Execution without evaluation is risky.

Hunt for Greatness

Milton Kamwendo

Look ahead. Also take time to look around and back to see if we are still heading to where we set out to go. Calling a time-out is not worthless.

In sports like basketball, a coach can call a time-out to consult with his team during the match. Calling a time-out does not mean it is time up. Taking a step to review and reflect is not a weakness but a key to recharging.

When we take time to rest and relax, that does not mean we are through with our journey. Rest time is not idle time; it is recharging time.

You do not have to wait to be sick in order to take a day off. Care enough for your health and well-being. You do not have to be sick to call a time-out. Rest is as necessary as work. Reflection is the key to clarifying vision.

I came across a short article titled “Not all medicines are in the dispensary”.

The article listed 20 things that are considered medicines. These are:

Exercise
Fasting
Natural and wholesome food
Laughter
Vegetables and fruits
Sleep and rest
Sunlight and fresh air
Loving others and fellowship
Loving yourself
Gratitude
Letting go of offence
Meditation
Reading and studying the Word of God
Eating well, on time and without excess
Right-thinking with a good mindset
Trusting in God
Good friends
Forgiving yourself and others
Drinking plenty of water
A peaceful heart

Fresh start

Life can be busy, but an idle mind is always the devil’s workshop. We go through tonnes of stress in our everyday lives and business. At times, we are on a jubilant high and at other times, we feel like we are in a deep, dark valley.

There are beautiful and sunny days that give way to heavy dreary clouds.

Some people reach the end of their lives thrilled by new opportunities and inspired by their progress.

Others get to the end fed up, tired and exhausted.

When we do not get better, we get bitter.

Whatever the experience of life to date, we all can do with a pause, reflection, review and a fresh start.

Rebooting gives fresh momentum to the engine.

Recast vision

A vision is a crystallised dream of a desired future.

Once a vision is conceived, it needs to be communicated. At the time we cast any vision, we have a set of circumstances and view of reality. However, as we grow and develop, the view of the world that we see expands or shrinks.

Every vision requires that the visionary and those who have embraced the vision pause, reflect and, if necessary, modify or recast the vision. It, therefore, becomes necessary that we recast our visions. When vision is revised and recast with a longer horizon and greater stretch, it motivates us to new levels of greatness. Vision must never be allowed to die.

The death of a vision is a distraction to the future.

Journal

New journeys require new anticipation and new luggage. Capture the important practice of journaling. Get a journal you like and a writing instrument that feels good to you. If need be, get a fresh journal. A fresh journal is motivating. It always inspires one to write a new story of one’s life. Journaling helps us track our thought streams, mind journey and experiences.

We give form to our thoughts when we write them down. We dignify the thoughts when we write them in a dignified place and not just some scrap paper. The paper or journaling App we choose is just the first step.

We have to go a step further.

The writing instruments we use express the value we give to what we write. Writing takes time and it is an expression of our thoughts and individuality. It can, therefore, never be taken lightly. As you write, so you trace and stress. As you write, so you shape your visions and dreams.

Planning tool

Problems cannot be solved by the same thoughts that created those challenges. Sometimes, our feet are burrowed into the same vicious problem cycle that needs to be broken. This requires that we use appropriate tools which help us plan and organise ourselves.

Planning and thinking tools depend on the user.

A planning tool is never an excuse for poor planning or an absence of planning. There are a number of tools on the market. Whatever tools we choose, we must remember that the most important thing are not the tools but how we choose to use them. Tools simplify the task and could be a great and powerful aid.

Thinking time

Thinking is hard work; that is why other people avoid it. Create time to think and reflect, and you will be great. When we shut off the noise and the clutter, we begin to see more clearly. A true fresh start begins from within. When we make that resolve within, it is easier to live it out in every other area of life.

Calling a time-out often is a critical practice for those who desire greatness. For organisations, this could be a retreat or an away day. A time-out is an investment and never a cost.

Milton Kamwendo is a leading international transformational and motivational speaker, author and a virtual, hybrid and in-person workshop facilitator. He is a cutting-edge strategy, team-building and organisation development facilitator and consultant. He can be reached at: [email protected] and his website is: www.miltonkamwendo.com