Each in their own field, Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein are described as geniuses by all who knew them. And like so many other illustrious figures in our history, they received that adjective for their thoughts and practices. Both had one thing in common that is related to “the daily routine of no time”a very interesting concept for productivity.
Anyone can apply it to their life, since you don’t need to have invented the theory of relativity or the iPhone. Basically, it’s a formula that, as contradictory as it may seem, is about being more creative and productive by leaving blank spaces in your schedule.
Doing nothing, the best way to do something
Steven Kotler is a journalist and writer known, among many other things, for being the one who coined the concept of Non-Time and which applies to figures such as Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein. It is Kotler’s formula for success, with which these illustrious figures managed to multiply their creativity by simply setting aside a small amount of time in their routines.
Great ideas also come when we don’t look for them. Spending time alone is key to this.
This idea of ”no time” is best understood with the adaptation to “alone time,” since it simply consists of set aside a daily time slot to do nothing. Literally. It is something approved by neuroscience and brings a multitude of benefits.
Several expert psychologists who have validated Kotler’s original theory speak of the importance of reserving between 5 and 20 minutes daily to be alone with our own thoughts. No screens, no papers, no other distractions. You don’t have to be in any specific place and you don’t have to close your eyes to meditate or anything like that.
All we need to do is be in a comfortable position, in silence and away from any noise (literal and metaphorical). By repeating this practice every day, experts say that tensions are relieved, stress is reduced and productivity and creativity are enhanced.
Although there is no exact rule that requires you to follow this moment of relaxation at a given time of day, experts mostly agree that recommend that we do it before our workdayIn this way, we will also start the routine free of tension, but full of energy to face whatever comes our way.
Steve Jobs practiced it, but he was not the last
This practice, which also involves stop doing other less priority thingscan be carried out by anyone. In fact, it is said that many great geniuses in history used the theory of “no time” without even being aware of it,
Adam Grant, another expert who develops this practice, ensures that It was common to see Steve Jobs putting things off in what could be described as a waste of time, but for Grant “it was time well spent.” Jobs used these empty moments to let “more divergent ideas” surface and work on them.
It should also be said that Jobs had two other techniques to inspire him: meditation and walks aloneThese can be part of the theory of “no time”, although as we pointed out at the beginning, it is enough to have a few minutes of reflection without the need to go into too much depth.
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