Time-Out!

Coaches yell “Time-Out!” at critical points in most games. It is usually when things are not going in their favor, or their team is dragging and needs a rest. We put our kids in “time-out” when they have made a poor choice and need to reflect on what they have done. Or they just need some time to let their emotions (and ours) settle down. When do you need a time-out?

Personally

For individuals, time-outs can come:

– at the start of each day for perspective and mindset

– during the day for focus (10am & 3pm notifications to pause)

– on Sundays for a time of rest and enjoying family and friends

– on long weekends to invest in your marriage or close friendships

– weekly/monthly/semi-annually to review goals and make new ones

– on milestone birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate and reflect

Professionally

For organizational teams, I encourage time-outs every quarter to:

– review and measure progress made

– celebrate wins

– recalibrate long term goals

– regroup after a major loss

– brainstorm about what could be next

Mentors

I have found it helpful to have mentors, both formal and informal, who I could ask important questions as I ventured into the unknown. Some were a lot like me and in similar careers. Others have been very different from me and provided some great perspective that I would have never considered.

Peers

About 20 years ago a mentor challenged me to find a group of peers who would hold me accountable and challenge me to more. I invited nine guys to meet and six said yes. Two have moved away but the remaining four and I meet every month to update each other how things are going in top priority areas and get advice on what to do next. If you do not have a group like this the best time to start is now. Take the lead and see who joins you.

Examine

One of my favorite quotes is: “An unexamined life is not worth living,” Socrates. Time-outs provide a great opportunity to examine your life regularly. How should you intentionally take time-outs in your professional and personal life?

Here is a link to a YouTube I did on this subject: https://youtu.be/wAL2Wvg-fYs

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