Drive. Align. Shift. Spirit Driving Institute Blog

Taking a Break Brings Clarity

A few days ago, I was trying to figure out how to solve a problem with a client's Web site. The funny thing is that I remembered solving a similar problem not too long ago. For some reason that answer just wasn't coming to me. At first, I focused hard on the problem. I looked through e-mails, past documentation, and searched online. It was frustrating running into dead ends.

So, I decided to take a break and clear my head. Almost like magic, within a few minutes, the solution came to me.

It's funny that the exact opposite of what you expect can bring results. I find that focusing too hard on something actually seems to push it away. Now, I was just trying to solve one issue. Imagine if you were trying hard to reach a goal. I'm sure you've been in a situation where you wanted something so badly that you did everything you could to make it happen. It could be a raise, a promotion, one new client, or several big contracts.

We can all get so obsessed with our goals that the Universe almost says, "You don't trust that this can happen. So, I'm just going to wait until you do." As a result, your dream job or client or business feels further and further away.

If you just relax and give in to the process, this allows the Universe to work the way it does best. It can get through the clutter of your mind and give you answers. Actually, the Universe is always trying to give you answers. It's just that your mind can be so preoccupied with things that you can't even hear the answers. This is why taking a break is so meaningful when driving toward your goals.

If you're looking for a fun way to take a break, check out the The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. All of us are artists in one way or another. We all have something that we are creating - ideas, products, or services. She talks about The Artist Date as a way of getting your creativity to flow. For one of my artist dates, I went miniature golfing by myself. Although I got some strange looks from others wondering where the rest of my party was, I had fun taking that time to clear my mind.