All too often in the busyness of our own lives we are in haste to move on to deal with the next thing that torments us from our list of ‘must do’.
 
Something I have noticed for a long time is the way some people at work are keen to attend a meeting, an event, a gathering. Yet as soon as it is over, they make a point of saying, “sorry I must rush”, indicating that there is something beckoning of greater importance.
 
I have found this especially strange when it may be a meeting where there is the opportunity to stay and speak with some of the team. I have found this even more surprising when there have been some refreshments organised with a clear invitation that it would be welcomed if people would stay for a while, to speak with other people.
 
Often it is in the space of semi-relaxation that some of the finer points and nuances are shared. Things that one can miss in the heat of the moment, when consumed by the task at hand, with an agenda to battle though.
 
It is rare that a crisis has occurred that needs immediate attention. It is also rare that it was not made clear that there would be a follow-on to the meeting, event, gathering, so diary space could be held for the purpose.
 
One thing I have observed of many leaders, who people respect, is they make time for others. They listen intently. They make you feel that you have been listened to; yes respected.
 
The person in a ‘rush’ often makes people feel ‘less’.
 
I attended the Conference to commemorate the C G Jung Institute 75th Anniversary and made the decision not to rush off and catch the evening plane back to the UK, rather to stay for two more evenings to enjoy time by the Lake. I had no pressing family or other needs to ‘rush’.
 
I made the decision to hold space in my diary so I could go through my notes, return to the Jung Institute to check up on a few things that surfaced during the Conference, enjoy a few gentle conversations with others who had also decided to stay over. All too quicky new learnings can disappear, like water poured onto the sands of a desert. I was keen to capture some of this learning before it evaporated, or became lost into a busy mind.
 
On my last evening, after dinner, I went for a stroll by the Lakeside. It was delightfully warm, so stopped to enjoy the moment, taking this picture. It was a wonderful time to reflect on my time away, the learnings, the people I had shared conversations with – at the conference, over dinner and more. Looking towards Zurich also reminded me that all too often when one is in a rush there is not the time to lift our eyes to the far horizon, both physically and opportunistically.
 
It was also a good nudge to remember how valuable development time is, how valuable thinking time is – how time used in this way is so invigorating.
 
So how much time do you allocate for your own development each year?

How much time do you allocate to thinking, rather than doing each year?
 
Or are you in a rush to deal with the next item on your list that you perceive as important?
 
Certainly, a reminder that time, my time, is so precious. To use it wisely and avoid the rush that is so often due to someone else’s agenda, not mine.
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter