3 empty blocks in the calendar can change everything

Tired of the grind and miss having some creative time in your life? I’ve been there.

While it may seem counter intuitive, we can use our productivity methods to create and use creative time to recharge, zone out, or just enjoy more of our life. The real secret lies in deliberately creating empty spaces in our daily schedules.

The Productivity Paradox

We've all been there - our calendars packed, rushing from one task to the next.

On the days when I had gaps in my schedule, I came up with better ideas and solutions. These weren't just random coincidences.

It turns out that operating at 100% capacity all the time is actually holding us back. When every minute is scheduled, our minds don't have room to make new connections or process information in creative ways.

I started experimenting with something that felt almost wrong at first. I began intentionally leaving parts of my calendar empty. Not for specific tasks, but for thinking space.

This was time that I could use to draw a picture - something I had given up for years after being frustrated at the lack of progress…turns out it’s hard to make progress when you do it once every 6 months!

It was time that I could use to think about the big picture - what was going right? What wasn’t working well? Making connections and thinking creatively in a relaxed way.

This wasn't about being lazy or unproductive. Think of it like leaving room between bites of food - it helps with digestion. In the same way, leaving space between tasks helps our minds digest information and generate new ideas.

This Week’s Favorite

Building Your Creativity System

Let me share the simple system that doesn't require any special tools or complicated techniques. It just needs a willingness to change how you think about your time.

I start by blocking off small pockets of time in my day. My favorite is a 20-minute walk, usually before lunch, when my mind is naturally ready for a break. Sometimes I bring a question or problem to think about, but often I just let my thoughts wander.

Another fun technique I've found is what I call "cafe learning."

Once a week, I spend about an hour at my local coffee shop reading articles I've saved throughout the week in Readwise Reader.

The change of environment seems to help my brain make new connections and the relaxed environment means I’m not doing serious work or trying to focus too hard. (for more on this, check out the Learn Like A Pro overview on YouTube)

Here's the key that makes this all work: I treat these creative sessions as non-negotiable appointments. They go into my calendar just like any other important meeting. The only difference is that instead of meeting with others, I'm meeting with my own thoughts.

Remember, this isn't about taking huge chunks out of your day. Even 15-30 minutes can be enough to spark new ideas and connections. The secret sauce is in the consistency, not the duration.

Extra Extra

• Stanford Research: A Stanford study found that walking increases creative thinking by up to 60%, and the benefits continue even after you sit back down.

• Harvard Business Review: An article exploring why we shouldn't think of walks as "breaks" but as legitimate productivity tools.

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