Found Time

We act as if we can control our schedules. And sometimes our calendars do run smoothly … until they don’t.

A meeting is rescheduled, or a flight is delayed, and you have an unexpected window of open time.

So how do you use it?

If you reflexively start digging out of emails, dipping into social media, or maybe trying to move up another meeting, it’s understandable.

But it’s also a missed opportunity.  These occasional, fortuitous windows in your tightly-scheduled day are found time.

And found time provides serendipitous opportunities for growth.

You have an opportunity to shift gears in a meaningful way, and then enjoy the energy and opportunity you create.

Some ways leaders I work with have started using their found time include:

• Sending quick notes of appreciation.

• Stepping back to consider what their industry/company/team/ needs most now.

• Revisiting their definitions of success: for their teams, their careers, their personal lives.

• Reaching out to someone they’ve been meaning to add to their network.

• Looking for a practice or meeting to give up, to open up bandwidth for more strategic things.

• Reviewing and updating the journal they use to collect new insights.

• Assessing what their calendar reveals about their priorities.

• Using a mindfulness app, or just focusing on their breathing.

Found time is your time. How could you make the most of it?