Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2023 46 I n the relentless pursuit of success, we often find ourselves consumed by our work and the countless hours it takes to master our craft. Malcolm Gladwell Introduced the concept of the "10,000 Hours Rule" in his book Outliers: The Story of Success, to emphasize how much practice it takes to master any complex behavior. While there's been a lot of debate about the rule, one thing is clear: becoming an expert and creating meaningful work requires dedication, deliberate practice, and focused thinking. Ray Dalio, the hedge fund manager, philanthropist, and author of Principles, identifies two main life-driver types: people who want to impact the world, and people who want to soak up life. This duality is true for many individuals who operate in spheres of leadership, innovation, and creativity, whether as entrepreneurs, designers, artists, strategists, or planners. Recognizing the importance of impact and life-soaking is critical for our personal and professional growth and life satisfaction. THE SPACE BETWEEN Many of us want and need a healthy portion of both sides: impact and life-soaking. The other 10,000 hours is the time we spend before, after, and between the deep work and long hours of applied practice to master the work we do. The other hours are spent imagining, wondering, and living in the land of curiosity. It's the time we spend thinking about our lives, our role in the world, our impact, and the meaning of our work. It's the incubator space between the hard thinking. It's impossible to be curious and know something at the same time. Experts and business leaders need to suspend their expertise to make space for new ideas to arise. "Music happens in the space between the notes." – Itzhak Perlman Contrary to what many employers expect, our best ideas seldom originate while we're hunched over our desks or during brainstorming meetings. These standout ideas often emerge when we allow our minds to wander freely – whether in the shower, on a walk, in nature, or while gazing at a wide horizon. It's during these moments of reflection that we connect seemingly unrelated concepts, envision the impossible, and explore the full range of possibilities. In this way, we bridge the gap between the realm of mystery and the world of reality. THE POWER OF SOAKING UP LIFE The other 10,000 hours serve as an investment in our expertise, infusing it with deeper meaning and benefit. By immersing ourselves in life, we invigorate our work and become more effective in our pursuits. This time encompasses respite, relaxation, recreation, rejuvenation, and reflection – essential elements that nurture our personal and professional growth. To fully embrace the other 10,000 hours, we must establish rituals and practices that will help us cultivate innovation and curiosity. In our organizations, we should design frameworks that foster an environment that's conducive to imaginative thinking and breakthrough ideas. Also, we need to prioritize a personal commitment to these hours by integrating daily, weekly, and yearly practices that allow us to tap into the wellspring of inspiration. As we embark on our journey toward mastery and meaningful work, it's vital to remember that success isn't only determined by the hours we dedicate to our craft. The other 10,000 hours we spend in reflection, curiosity, and the pursuit of life's rich experiences, are equally important. By nourishing our spirit, we can serve from a place of abundance. So, I leave you with these questions: 1. How does your organization foster innovation inside and outside of work? 2. What personal commitments do you regularly make to the other 10,000 hours? 3. What daily, weekly, and yearly rituals do you engage in to nurture your curiosity and embark on your transformative journey? 4. How does your organization encourage team members to refuel, reflect, and rejuvenate? What practices and structures are in place to foster reflection, creativity, and the exploration of uncharted territories? 5. What steps do you take to ensure that you continuously feed your human artistry? How do you strike a delicate balance between immersive work and the indispensable moments of rejuvenation? Remember the words of Eleanor Brown: "Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." SOAKING UP LIFE AND MAKING AN IMPACT Nurturing the Other 10,000 Hours Steven Morris On Brand Steven Morris is a brand, culture and leadership advisor, author, and speaker. Over his 25+ years in business he's worked with 3,000+ business leaders at 250+ global and regional companies. Discover: https://matterco.co RO

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