There are times when the priority is to execute – to finish the story, finish the painting, finish the work. These times are filled with the logic of ‘productivity’. There is a procedural mindset to completion, there is a timeline, there is no room for tangents and exploration.
But there are other times when what is needed is the opposite. Times where logic and timelines must be intentionally and actively put aside to make room for wandering, tangents, and unfiltered input. It sounds passive but it is indeed an active process. I need to extend my antenna up into the clouds and let the world pass over me and through me. I need to passively receive what may be swirling around up there – no editing, just acceptance. Eventually, over time, the signal is strong enough inside to provoke action and the time to execute re-emerges.
Both modes are work. It’s important to remember that.