Do you find yourself aligning more with the team of “organized” individuals, thriving on meticulous planning, or do you resonate with the “spontaneity" of the team that embraces the unexpected?
In our fast-paced world, where productivity and efficiency are often prized above all else, it can be easy to forget the importance of leaving room for some unscripted, unplanned moments. These are the moments where the magic happens. In this article, we will delve into understanding why and how I believe, we should leave room for magic, both in our personal lives and in business.
Frequently, people commend me for my exceptional organizational skills, a trait that admittedly brings me a sense of pride. However, it also elicits a certain discomfort.
Why, you might wonder?
Allow me to explain: In the complexity and stress of modern life, a sentiment amplified by the presence of COVID-19, I, like many others, can easily feel overwhelmed by the myriad tasks that demand my attention—or at least, I perceive them as such. Recognizing this, I realized early on that maintaining a high level of organization serves as a valuable tool to keep my anxiety in check.
Consequently, I embraced the use of calendars, to-do lists, reminders, and other organizational tools to effectively address and mitigate my inherent tendencies towards disorganization. In my quest for order, I found myself adopting a bit of Monica Geller's flair from Friends, taking her meticulousness as my own. Much like Monica, I became a cleaning enthusiast, embracing precision and order in my surroundings. I shared her obsession with keeping things in designated places, a practice aimed at avoiding forgetfulness. Even her secret messy closet and her unwavering loyalty to friends were aspects I identified with, finding humor and relatability in her character traits.
However, these traits also bring along challenges when faced with chaos or unpredictable events that disrupt this meticulously organized world. While society may view these traits as highly functional, they come with a certain inflexibility. In instances where we fall short or are unable to meet the high standards set by ourselves, it can trigger feelings of stress, a sense of unaccomplishment, and more. Similar to Monica, each of these valuable traits can sometimes work at our expense, highlighting the delicate balance between order and the adaptability needed to navigate the unpredictability of life.
When we talk about 'magic', we aren't referring to pulling rabbits out of hats or levitating objects. Instead, we're talking about those moments of serendipity, spontaneity, and unexpected discovery that light up our lives and our work.
Cultivating an environment that encourages these magical moments has the potential to foster greater creativity, spur innovation, and enhance personal satisfaction. It's about embracing the beauty of the unpredictable, finding joy in the unforeseen, and allowing room for the enchantment that unfolds when we least expect it.
"The magic is in the mess." - Brené Brown
In the business world, magic can represent the moments that happen outside our scheduled meetings and structured processes. These are the moments that can't be captured or repeated, but have the potential to be transformative. This might look like a spontaneous brainstorming session during a morning coffee between colleagues that leads to a breakthrough idea, or an unplanned conversation that sparks a new collaboration.
But can we also encourage more of these magical moments? I strongly believe we can: by creating opportunities for them to occur! This might mean leaving some blank spaces in our schedules, being open to deviating from our planned agendas, allocating time for brainstorms and team reflections, or being present and attuned to the needs and ideas of those around us.
However, we are forced to notice that this is not always the case in many organizations. Why? The most accurate answer I could find is: it is simply not part of their culture!
Encourage open communication: It implies fostering a culture of open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, even unconventional ones. Within teams, it can take the shape of regular brainstorming sessions or virtual suggestion boards where team members can freely contribute ideas.
By incorporating these strategies, businesses can create an atmosphere that not only embraces the unexpected but actively encourages the magic that can fuel creativity, innovation, and overall success. Ultimately, leaving room for magic in business is not about relinquishing control but acknowledging that, sometimes, the most remarkable achievements emerge from the unexpected and the extraordinary.
When we're working on a project or tackling a problem, be it personal or work related, it can be tempting to keep pushing until we find a solution. However, sometimes the best thing we can do is to step away and let our minds rest. By doing something completely unrelated, we can give our creativity time to percolate and regenerate.
“Studies have found that after a period of mind wandering, the mind makes more creative connections between bits of information you already know.As for the shower? It's kind of the ideal epiphany incubator. Not only does the warm water elevate your mood, you focus your attention inward.”
It requires commitment, at first, to creating an open and flexible, space where the unexpected can unfold, before it can become a guiding principle. Not that easy for over-organized and over-prepared people like me! Yes… Usually, over-organization and over-preparation go hand-in-hand.
Indeed, meticulous planning is my forte. Whether orchestrating a family getaway with meticulously researched destinations and pre-booked tickets, or navigating a work project with a methodical approach to every step, I thrive on organization. Yet, there are instances when my penchant for control impedes the potential for genuine engagement and shared experiences.
In both personal and professional settings, being overly prescriptive can stifle the sense of adventure and discovery that enriches any journey. Participants, be they family members or colleagues, may feel more like passive observers than active contributors. Embracing the concept of creating space for magic involves relinquishing some control and nurturing an environment where others can participate in shaping the experience.
Overcoming the habit of over-preparation requires a delicate balance between readiness and allowing space for spontaneity to flourish. While meticulous planning can instill confidence and ensure readiness for important projects or meetings, excessive preparation can become a hindrance rather than an asset.
Drawing from the principles of the Marine Corps' 70% Rule, which emphasizes that: “You take action on any decision when you have 70% confidence in the success of the decision”, we can apply a similar mindset to our preparation process. Instead of striving for absolute certainty, we can aim for a level of preparedness that allows for flexibility and adaptation when necessary. This approach saves time and creates opportunities for unexpected magic to unfold.
In conclusion, embracing the concept of leaving room for magic is not just a whimsical notion; it's a powerful strategy for both personal and professional development. By creating space for spontaneity and serendipity in our lives, we unlock a myriad of opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Whether you're planning a business meeting, working on a creative project, or simply going about your daily routine, remember to pause and ask yourself: Am I 70% confident in the success with this level of preparation? In doing so, you'll discover new pathways to creativity, innovation, and overall satisfaction. So, embrace the unexpected, cherish the moments of spontaneity, and always leave a little room for the magic.