# Effective Blueprint for Weekly Reflection to Resolve Company Challenges
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Think Time
If you're not actively thinking, you're simply reacting.
It's common to hear the excuse, "I’m too busy." The thought of setting aside time to sit and think seems impossible—"I've got too much on my plate!" Sound familiar? I've experienced that too!
However, consider this: being busy doesn't equate to working on the right tasks. The key is whether you're concentrating on the few vital priorities. Allocating time to think about these priorities requires a committed effort—not just when you're about to doze off at night.
As Kim Scott notes in Radical Candor, there was a highly successful newspaper executive who walked into his CEO’s office only to find him reclining and gazing at the sky. Upon inquiring, the CEO revealed he was contemplating an idea that would steer the company for the next decade.
You too need to carve out a weekly think time session. Here’s how to implement it:
Step 1: Block Out 90 Minutes Weekly
Schedule a 90-minute slot each week on your calendar that is non-negotiable. This is your dedicated time to reflect on high-priority issues, whether addressing a major constraint or exploring a significant opportunity.
A helpful tip: I use Reclaim.io to determine the most suitable day and time for this session automatically.
Step 2: Identify Your Core Question
Next, ponder, "What is the biggest constraint I’m trying to tackle?" This serves as your overarching question or theme, giving you a focal point for your think time. Aim to finalize this topic three days ahead to prepare your subconscious and allow for spontaneous notes during your day.
Step 3: Craft a Challenge Statement
Formulate a challenge statement that begins with "How can we…". Examples include:
- How can we reduce customer churn?
- How can we enhance our hiring process?
- How can we improve our cash flow?
Step 4: Generate Five Variations of Your Challenge Statement
Reword your challenge statement in five distinct ways to encourage diverse thinking. This approach will help uncover underlying issues and consequences. For more insightful questions, check out Invisible Solutions.
Step 5: Conduct a Brain Dump Session
Spend 30-45 minutes jotting down as many ideas as you can, addressing each question. Don't filter your thoughts; allow any and all ideas to flow.
Step 6: Perform a Sweet Spot Analysis
Review your list of ideas. Mark “LH” beside any low-hanging fruit—these are ideas that are quick to implement and cost-effective. Then, identify “HR” for those ideas that could yield significant results. Look for concepts that are both low-hanging and high-impact; these are your sweet spots.
Step 7: Select Three Ideas for Execution
The final step is putting your ideas into action. If you only dream, you remain a dreamer. Take the initiative to schedule your three selected ideas into your project management software and start working on them.
When you allow yourself the time to think, free from daily distractions, remarkable things can unfold.
Need assistance in tackling major company constraints? I can help you navigate through that.
Ready to elevate your outcomes?
Discover valuable insights with The Optimized Report, an exclusive five-issue newsletter packed with wisdom from successful entrepreneurs, innovative leaders, and expert coaches, designed to enhance your performance, profit, and potential without compromising your most valuable asset—time. Get optimized today!
Chapter 2: Unlocking Your Potential
This video titled "Steal My 4 Step Blueprint to Start & Scale a New Online Business in 21 Days" offers strategies for launching and growing an online business efficiently.