Jonathan sent me this article the other day ??Spotify?s Design Lead On Why Side Projects Should Be Stupid ??and it fit with a theme I?ve been thinking a lot about lately: intentionality. Read it and I think you?ll see what I mean.?
In my life and work rhythms I?m trying to be more intentional in every area, but as the article shows, intentionality doesn?t always look like cranking through your to-do list. Tobias van Schneider is advocating for intentionally working on work and intentionally playing around with crazy ideas. The key, I think, is about being intentional in pursuit of balance. (Note: Balance does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split.)
These days I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally present and intentionally absent.
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally focused and intentionally drifting.
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally productive and intentionally unproductive.
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally in-the-moment and intentionally five years down the road.?
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally with my team and intentionally in my office with the door closed.?
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally writing and intentionally reading.?
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally speaking and intentionally listening.?
I?m trying to strike a balance between intentionally working and intentionally resting.?
What ever I do, I want to do it on purpose. Even if I?m purposefully choosing to do nothing at all.?
I?m trying all of this because I don?t think we grow by accident. Rather, as we approach this balance we approach our healthiest selves and our best work. And if there?s anything worth pursuing with intention, it?s that.?
