*Each Monday, Prophet’s Chief Curator and Provocateur, Andy Stefanovich, or a member of our innovation team* shares a Monday on-ramp with Prophet employees across the globe. We’ll begin sharing them here, and encourage you to join the conversation by answering questions and providing your own comments below. Happy Monday!
In his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin shared his daily activity schedule with the world to illustrate his approach to achieving a balance of business, pleasure, and self-reflection. For example, between 5 am and 7 am, he writes:“Rise, wash, and address Powerful Goodness; contrive day’s business and take the resolution of the day; prosecute the present study, and breakfast.” Both morning and afternoon is devoted simply to “Work”while the evening consists of “putting things in their place, supper, music, and conversation.” And when the day reached its end, Franklin assessed the value of his day by posing a simple closing-day question: “What good have I done today?”
Franklin’s sensible approach to outlining his daily activities bears wit and wisdom as we think about where we focus our time throughout the day. Too often – and many times without our knowing - the routine, day-to-day tasks overtake our calendars, leaving little room for inspired thinking. Think for a moment about what your average day looks like – what percentage of time is dedicated to routine tasks and what percentage is dedicated to getting inspired? (or fill in the blank – what percentage is dedicated to better understanding your customers? Engaging with your colleagues? Pursuing new growth ideas?). How can you strike a greater balance, like Ben did, to focus on both the routine and the revolutionary?
Now Think About… Think about what it would like if you were to focus a portion of your day towards getting inspired.
*This week’s on-ramp was brought to you by Hillary Bleckley in our Richmond office.
