Taking time

On business trips I always make sure to get some downtime to decompress and find inspiration. Emails can wait!

This week I was in London and, through pure serendipity, found out about a free exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery — a selection of Moleskine notebooks used by artists from around the world. Fabulous!

Also, I had scheduled my meetings such that I wouldn’t have to rush between them across town. As the weather turned out nice I walked everywhere rather than take the tube — clocking up over 10K per day. No gym required… and I got to explore new neighbourhoods along the way.

Of course, not every trip is like that. Last week I was in the north of England to deliver a leadership development programme. With daily prep and review this resulted in 11-hour work days. But in the evenings you could always find me in the local park.

To me, these things are non-negotiable. And yet, I’m always baffled by how many people don’t take time to explore or look after themselves while away on business. No downtime, no exercise, every spare minute spent on their laptops “catching up”.

Except they’re not catching up — they’re missing out.

Business emails are not what you’ll remember six months down the line, let alone on your deathbed. A Saatchi exhibition, or anything else that tickles your interest, stands a much better chance. Not to mention the walk there — what else could you find on the way?