Are you jumping out of bed in the morning to move your goals closer to reality? Do you make “thinking” a priority? Do you have regular “check-in” meetings with yourself to make sure you are on the right track? Do you have a calming environment that helps you maximize your productivity?
Most “thinkers” and top “thought leaders” admit to having a “thinking place.” Being someone that loves clever nicknames and creative phrases, I prefer to call my “thinking place” my “Zen Den,” but I won’t take credit for coming up with the name.
I have several spaces I like to think. One is at our kitchen island. We have a bar height design that allows me to have a comfortable line of sight of our home. My view allows me to watch the sunrise. When I need a break from what I am doing, I can easily get on my feet and move around our island.
In the heart of the winter months, I will move into our dining room where I can light the fireplace. The flames warm the space and create a calming effect that allows me to do my best work.
When I’m in Michigan, I use the dining area. My “zen den” is always organized and clean. Waking up to this space is meditative in and of itself. Even when we travel, I scope out the hotel lobby, beach, and pool area for my “thinking space.”
A “zen den” is most effective when the space is dedicated to you during your “thinking time.” In my case, my morning ritual is my “thinking time.” As I’ve mentioned during my Take Flight classes, the reason my morning ritual is so important to me is that it’s the only time of the day that I can really obtain “me time.” This 2 – 3 hours every morning allows me to unplug, think, plan, meditate, visualize, focus on my self-development, journal, or write.
To be successful, you need to “think and do.” Like breathing, you “inhale and exhale.” Life requires that you inhale and exhale. It just is, and we accept it to be true. The same goes for a “successful, happy and healthy life,” which of course includes your business.
We all understand that the “doing” and “action” is most important to the success equation. We get that, but most still do not accept that we need to “think, meditate, visualize, review, and reset.”
I believe in this space so much that when colleagues and other entrepreneurs mention that they are purchasing a property, I make a point to strongly suggest that they put a dedicated office space or “Zen Den” at the top of their “must have” list.
Why?
- You need a calming space that you can call your “thinking place.” A space to meditate and visualize your goals. All of your success starts with a thought.
- You need an inspirational space that gets you excited to jump out of bed in the morning.
- You need a clean, organized space that promotes productivity and planning.
- You need a motivational space to display your vision boards and goal tracking whiteboard.
- You need a welcoming space that allows you to relax, unwind and recharge.
- To create and stay focused on your “Flight Plan,” it is imperative to create a calming and welcoming space that supports your goals.
If you have a space like this, is it working for you? Is it time for a refresh?
If you don’t have a Zen Den, is it possible that adding this space is important enough to you to put on your “must do” list? I’ll leave that up to you to decide. All I know is that having my Zen Den to think in is a powerful part of my success formula.