Give up

I want you to give up.

I mean it. Seriously.

I did it myself a few weeks back. My calendar was clear that Friday, and I urgently needed to finish some creative work.

I activated airplane mode.

Next, I played my fav Bach symphony by Yo-Yo Ma on "one song repeat". It's usually the signal to my brain: "It's time to be creative."

Nothing.

I found myself just staring at the blank screen.

I decided to make another coffee.

Still, nothing.

A banana perhaps?

Nope, nothing.

"Oh, I have that phone call to make. And I haven't responded to that e-mail…"

After a few minutes, I returned to my writing and sketching on the flipchart. But I hated every idea, every direction.

So, I decided to give up: I packed up my things, enjoyed a nice lunch, and then hit the sauna.

As my brain seemed to switch off, it actually didn't. I couldn't even complete the first round in the sauna before asking for a pen.

I found myself writing mind maps all over three large napkins. It felt like I had done a week's work in half an hour.

Sure, this might sound like a plot twist from a cliché Hollywood movie. But the truth is, this concept is as old as time: sometimes, to get ahead, you need to give up.

Sounds strange? Let me introduce you to some familiar names who mastered this method.

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb after trying and failing 10 000 times. But before that glorious moment? He just had to take a step back and put it aside to work on the phonograph.

Or Michael Jordan at the peak of his basketball career. He decided to retire and try a career in baseball after the death of his father, who loved the sport. When that didn't work out as planned, he returned to the NBA and led the Chicago Bulls to three more championships.

And Walt Disney? The guy got fired from a newspaper for being "uncreative". What did he do next? Started a number of business ventures that ended in failure. He took a step back and came back with a mouse (yes, Mickey).

Then there's JK Rowling. A single mother on welfare, her manuscript facing continuous rejection. She gave up for a while before she resumed - and you know the rest of the story.

Now, I'm not suggesting you quit your job and start a baseball career. Unless that's your thing, of course.

What I am saying is this:

When your brain feels like a dry sponge, when the flow of creativity halts, when even Bach on repeat can't help - it's time to give up.

But just for a moment.

Maybe take a walk, grab a drink, or even binge a Netflix series. Mix it up a little. Let your subconscious take the wheel.

Sometimes, giving up for a while is the best move.

You're not quitting. You're just taking a creative breather. You're recharging. You're creating room for something better to come in.

Remember, even when you're doing 'nothing', your brain is secretly working behind the scenes.

Because who knows - your best idea might come to you when you're sipping your third coffee, relaxing in a sauna, or working on something completely new.

Inspiration loves to play hide and seek.

And don't forget - Edison, Disney, Rowling, and Jordan didn't become legends because they never gave up. They became legends because they knew when to take a break.

So go ahead, give up. You might just create the next big thing.

Stay playful,

Tino

PS: Don’t forget to forward this newsletter to someone who might just need to give up. And they can subscribe to the Extra Mile while doing so.