NTNO

How a little bit of selfishness fuels creativity.

I'm an early riser. Not by choice, mind you, but after having kids, the ability to sleep past 6:30 AM is the exception rather than the rule. Of course, now that my children are seniors in college, I can sleep in on the weekends, but it generally doesn't work out. Like you, when I wake up on the weekdays, my mind begins to race about things that need to be accomplished that day, and any hope of enjoying more golden slumber is quickly dashed.

Until about six months ago, I would simply get up and start working. One of the luxuries of working from home is a 15-step commute where I can be in front of my computer about 90 seconds after I decide to roll out of bed. However, I've completely shifted my perspective on this ritual to the point where the time between waking up and going to work has not only increased to hours, it's a time I fiercely protect. I call this time NTNO, and it's comprised of two components:

NT (Non-Time)

This is what I call that tranquil stretch of silence between 5:15 AM and 7:45 AM when the rest of the world is waking up. This non-time belongs to one person and one person only: me. The day's pressing projects have yet to press, giving me the ultimate luxury: patience. Often, this is when I choose to work out, do meal prep, or even write. If a sentence takes 45 minutes to craft, who cares?

I believe that internal creativity – the biggest differentiator each of us possesses – desperately needs this non-time. The main reason is that there are no deadlines during non-time. As we all know and experience, deadlines tend to create stress. As the due date of a deliverable approaches, pressure forces our brains to focus on the details of the project. Generally, this means we need to block out the larger picture and, even worse, are upset about the hurry seemingly forced upon us. In other words, deadlines and being pressed for time are creativity killers.

It's critical to intentionally build non-time into our schedules. It's a time for daydreaming, clearing the mind, and even getting a little distance – even if it's only psychological – from the work we do. This non-time also provides a semblance of separation from the things that concern us, allowing us to see those issues from a different perspective. If we don't give ourselves the time to distance ourselves from our rapid-fire and, usually, emotional race to get things done, we will never have the luxury of alternative possibilities.

NO (No-One)

Bottom line: solitude matters. Of course, some creativity requires collaboration and sometimes even friction. However, that initial incubation phase – the time when there is just a kernel of a creative idea – demands solitude. This means purposefully taking a break from the continual bombardment of our senses that the world serves us. Forcing this break on a daily basis has allowed my brain to do something that I haven't allowed it to do often enough: wander.

Since I've begun doing this, I've found that my level of creativity has increased and that my overall mood and feeling of self-worth have improved. I've found that the more creative I feel, the more joy I experience. Even more, I've found that I'm less rushed and more present and that the breadth of my thoughts has expanded, leaving me more open to new experiences.

At times, my strict adherence to NTNO feels a bit selfish. Frankly, it is, but it's also something I've come to terms with as that daily time that's just for me fuels me for the day ahead. We live in an increasingly fast-paced world – one that seems to always be demanding something from us. In an industry where differentiation comes down to you and your creativity, it's essential that you claim some time back. You'll feel more creative and less stressed, your overall productivity will increase, your relationships will flourish, your sense of wonder will multiply, and your clients will notice the difference.

I generally don't like to end blogs with a challenge – it feels like I'm proclaiming, "I've figured life out – thank me later." I'll make an exception, as NTNO has worked wonders for me. Try to begin your day with 90 to 120 minutes of NTNO. This opportunity for uninterrupted concentration will pay significant dividends both in the short and long term.