The benefits of meditation to the brain, the mind (two different things!), wellbeing and performance are well-researched, well-understood and well-evidenced. For those that have (or have ever had) a practice, you know what I’m talking about. Clarity. Focus. Direction.

But for all the benefits, that doesn’t help much when speaking to someone who self-describes as “just too busy” for the indulgent luxury of meditation. (“Indulgent luxury” = their words, not mine.) 😉

And I’m sure many can relate – I know I can! Those times when I’ve sat, even for just 5-minutes, and spent the entirety of the time thinking: is this bell ring ever going to ring, so I can get back to the important stuff! 😋

So, here’s an alternative for you: something we’ll call “Meditative Planning”. For those times when meditation doesn’t feel like an option, but you know you need a focus reset.

Grab your journal and a favourite pen. Find a comfortable place to sit, perhaps somewhere other than your regular working space. Take steps to make sure you won’t be disturbed, including human interruptions and digital pings. Hop on to your favourite meditation app, headphones on. Set a timer, with your favourite meditation music backdrop: no words, just sounds. Take 3 long, deep breaths and slow yourself (internally) to a standstill, as much as you can. Now you’re set.

Open your journal. And ask yourself, very gently: What are the big pieces I’m working on, right now? What needs focus and attention? And what needs to be parked?

3 questions only. Because the rest of what you need will come. (And when you make this a practice over time, you’ll land on better questions than these, anyway.)

Is this any different from quiet thinking time? No. But I’m wrapping this up in a named-technique because I know what you busy, type-A go-getters are like! Meditation is supposed to be on the high-performer’s list – so I HAVE to do it. But that conflicts with my insanely-busy schedule!

Well, now you have a new brain-friendly option that sidesteps that conflict. Let me know how it works for you.

Thanks for reading!

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