I saw a commercial over the holidays that had the line, “Sure, you are active, but why?” This month I want to encourage you to be still. If you are like most people, you are very busy. Think of all the times you have been asked how you are doing and you have answered, “Busy.” Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Don’t just do something–stand there!” The most successful people I know have mastered the ability to be still. I have found that my most productive moments come with stillness. Whether it’s at work or at home, your mind does not need the frantic voltage you expose it to in order to be successful. Here’s what I suggest:
1. Intentionally set aside time to be still every week (put it on the calendar, or it won’t get done).
2. Start with half an hour.
3. Find a place where you won’t be disturbed and won’t fall asleep (I go to the water).
4. Turn off your cell phone, pager, BlackBerry®, Treo™, etc.
5. Give yourself time to think about some area of your life. Don’t analyze it to death–just be still.
6. Be patient. It will take about one month before you really experience results.
