We all need some time with just our coffee and our thoughts to truly create.
I stumbled upon an article highlighting a product prototype called The Nutshell. The Nutshell made me giggle because, well, it’s a hilarious concept. You hide away in a little sack that looks like a nut so that you can take a ‘real’ break. In a nutshell, it’s a visual metaphor for flipping the bird. Perhaps in a more polite way. The design reminds me of all those times my mom tried to wake me up and I begrudgingly pulled the covers over my head. I think that’s the symbolic sign for “I don’t wanna, ma” (to be said in a whiney kid voice). I think I pulled this move on my boyfriend the other day and felt immediately immature. Hey, we all have our days.
This product concept brings to light a challenge that I have been grappling with as I build a business, write and try to “create.” It’s hard to focus. It really is. There are so many distractions and it can be hard to just “turn it all off”. I can’t even bear to turn my phone off for 20 minutes or restrain myself from checking my email as soon as I wake up in the morning. I just checked my instagram after completing this sentence. Shoot. See what I mean? Focus takes intention. It’s actually not as hard as it seems. It’s just a matter of practicing it. You obviously can’t force yourself to be really creative or think of the next breakthrough idea, but you can at least give yourself the chance to do so.
In a recent podcast, we dive into the different aspects of focus. Dr. Patrick Eley discusses how to create a baseline in order to allow yourself the ability to focus. Then, once you’ve established that baseline, tips on how you can optimize your ability to focus during that time. After making the podcast, I've found myself more focused just because I’m being mindful of the fact that I need to provide optimized opportunities to create something.
In short, the nutshell won’t solve all your problems. Nor will it deter others from interrupting you. But, the idea and the message behind it is great. We need time to get away from it all. We need this time to think and to create. Give yourself that opportunity and start carving out time in your day to allow for this metaphorical nutshell. You never know until you try, so why not take a crack at it?