Hell yes, you do!
Time-out*, I'm sure you've heard the term? If you're into sports, it's a common occurrence. If you're into parenting, or have been around kids in any capacity, you know it has a different connotation.
In sports? A time-out is a chance to quickly assess and refocus. With kids? Often given as a form of discipline, a time-out is an opportunity for the child to regroup, maybe cool down and think. Either way, a time-out is a chance to take a break.
Why is a time-out typically reserved for these scenarios, when it could be useful in so many other ways?!
Think about it. Couldn't you use a time-out every now and then? When might stepping back to quickly assess a situation and refocus, be useful for you or your team? Or, how about those times when you need to cool down and think? Yes, they happen.
Time-outs are not just useful, one might say they're necessary, and when utilized, you may find you're jumping to solutions sooner! Literally, taking a time-out can speed things up!
I had to learn this lesson personally after an injury five weeks ago. I can tell you that, as difficult as it was, taking the time-out that I needed was crucial. The time-out definitely sped up my recovery. Who knew!!
So how can YOU apply this philosophy to the everyday situations that you may be encountering?
Maybe you could consider these two ways you can look at having a time-out:
Recognizing the need for a time-out and then taking it:
Maybe you're working on something and making no headway.
Or, you're in a conversation with a loved one and it's escalating.
Any other scenario where a shift in perspective would be useful.
OR...
How about actually planning a time-out:
Look at your schedule and block small, regular chunks of time - think five minutes here and there - to take a breath or stand up, maybe take a short walk.
I had a client who would put headphones on and listen to a brief meditation. Right in their shared office space. It's possible.
Don't have five minutes? Take one or two!
Think about it, how useful could this be to you, as an adult, to take your own time-out? A chance to reset and refocus; shake up your energy, and get a new perspective on a situation.
Are you willing to give it a try?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge for the next week...
Either:
Plan a time out.
Schedule a time-out into your day - remember it can be five minutes. Don't have five minutes? Plan for one or two!
Take a time out:
Recognize when you need a time-out, where a shift in energy or perspective would be useful. The recognizing may take some practice.
Or, even better? Plan to do both. See what happens!
Are you ready to take a time-out to assess where you're at? Contact me and we'll get you clear...
Stay safe and well.
Cheers,
Ann
*fun fact - you can spell it three different ways: time-out, timeout or time out!
Time outs are a good thing!