Wasting Time Makes Us Better Designers
Would You Hire Designers That Waste Time?
Time management systems are available for everything. From managing the daily requirements of running a small business to always having our wardrobes ready to wear and homes in order. We plan social events and vacations to make sure we have “fun”. We’ve got calendars, budgets, planners all functioning at max speed to remind us what super achievers we are…or think we should be.
I admit the systems I’ve “tweaked to fit” work well for me. They give me confidence that I will get everything accomplished that needs doing. I’ve been programmed to think that not having everything planned is a negative thing. Maybe it’s not. What if on this Motivational Monday we do just the opposite and play hooky!
Wasting Time Can Make Us More Productive As Designers
Being in a creative profession, I need time to daydream. To allow my mind to wander and let ideas form. My best ideas often don’t come sitting at my desk. Plotting in 3-5 on Tuesdays/Thursdays to “daydream” does not work. Professionally, these pre planned sessions are a “waste of time” in the intended sense of the phrase. Personally, by nature I realize the need to stay engaged. What works for me is being aware that I need this kind of unscheduled time. I want time to think about new ideas.
With the efficiency of smart phones, I now stop and make a quick note with key thoughts whenever something triggers an idea I want to explore further. Nothing fancy or developed with too much detail. Nothing mandatory, not a to do list that has to fit into one of my time management systems. Ideas about different topics, things to do, places to go. Just a simple note page with random ideas I choose to keep or delete later.
Great Interior Design Ideas Come From Daydreaming
Now if I do schedule “daydream” on my calendar, or just have a few minutes/hours at a time, I look at my notes to remind me how much a super achiever I can be at wasting time. Wasting time is working for me.
Join Us Wednesday To See How I Spent Today Daydreaming
(hint: it has to do with food and design!)
See More Beautiful Food Photography of Broma Bakery Here
We just had this discussion that we are probably over stimulated nowadays. How can you come up with new ideas if you are always reading, working, watching tv, etc???
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Exactly. I will admit that a lot of my “daydreaming” is on electronics now simply because they are the tools that have made keeping track so much easier. Our problem has always good too many ideas!
Looking forward to seeing the fruits of the non-labour, Laurel! What a good point about giving space and time for creativity. Lxx
It’s like playing!