Imagine a tool so simple that you can implement it immediately. It costs absolutely nothing but has the potential to transform how you make decisions altogether. 

This tool is revealed in Keith Cunningham's book The Road Less Stupid. It's called thinking time—a disciplined, intentional approach to thinking that allows you to make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and gain clarity on complex problems.

I’ve been using this tool regularly for years. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend when speaking with successful business owners, CEOs, and department heads from different sectors worldwide—the vast majority practice thinking time. And they are all blown away by the results. I am, too. The best thing is that you don't need to be a seasoned pro to use this tool. If you start using it as a new manager, you'll have an unfair advantage, period. 

What is Thinking Time? 

Thinking time is a dedicated session where you step away from daily life's noise, distractions, and chaos to simply think. While that may seem too simplistic, the true power of thinking time lies in its discipline.

The concept is simple—set aside 30-45 minutes twice a week for uninterrupted, focused thinking. This isn't about daydreaming or letting your mind wander. It's about purposefully asking tough, probing questions that force you to reflect, analyse, and gain clarity on important issues.

The discipline of Thinking Time

It's not enough to schedule random moments of reflection. True thinking time requires a structured approach. Here's how Keith Cunningham breaks it down:

•  Create a distraction-free zone: you'll need a quiet, undisturbed space where you can lock yourself away physically and mentally. Turn off all potential distractions—your phone, laptop, and any notifications that could interrupt your focus. The goal is to ensure complete concentration, a rare commodity in today's hyperconnected world.
•  Prepare with purpose: thinking time isn't passive. It's an active process of engaging with critical questions. These aren't just surface-level inquiries; they are profound, sometimes uncomfortable questions that challenge the way you view problems, opportunities, and solutions. For example: 
• Where am I enthusiastically heading in the wrong direction?
• What needs to happen for my customers to say: "I'd be crazy to go somewhere else"?
• If I were my boss, would I give myself a raise or fire me? 
•  Write down your thoughts: this process is not just about thinking in your head. Grab a pen and paper (I really do recommend a pen and a paper because anything else is a potential distraction) and start writing down your thoughts, reflections, and ideas. Writing forces you to organize your thoughts and provides a record of your thinking that you can revisit later.
•  Focus on great questions, not immediate solutions: one of the keys to productive thinking time is focusing on asking the right questions rather than jumping to quick solutions. Often, we're so eager to solve problems that we fail to take the time to truly understand the root of the issue. Asking the right questions can reveal what we would have otherwise overlooked, leading to smarter, more informed decisions.

Why Thinking Time matters

In today's fast-paced world, we're conditioned to act quickly, often on autopilot. We're constantly reacting, responding to emails, putting out fires, and juggling responsibilities. What we don't do enough of is think—and this lack of reflection can lead to poor decisions that cost us time, money and missed opportunities.

Thinking time forces us to slow down and avoid the trap of hasty decisions. It helps us step back, gain perspective, and make more thoughtful, intentional choices. And when done consistently, it can have a profound impact on all areas of your life:

•  Better decision-making: regular thinking time helps you avoid making dumb mistakes. By taking time to analyze situations thoroughly, you can identify potential pitfalls before they become costly errors. You'll be able to separate symptoms from root problems, which is crucial for effective problem-solving.
•  Clarity on priorities: life and business are full of competing priorities. Thinking time gives you the space to reflect on what truly matters, helping you focus your energy on the things that will make the biggest impact.
•  Improved problem-solving: the most successful people aren't necessarily the ones with the most answers—they're the ones with the best questions. By dedicating time to thinking, you train yourself to ask deeper, more insightful questions that reveal the heart of any problem or opportunity.
•  Confidence and peace of mind: when you've thoroughly thought through a decision or challenge, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you've considered all angles. That will not only reduce anxiety but will also lead to faster, more decisive action when it's time to execute.

Final thoughts

As Keith Cunningham wisely says, "Go think. You'll thank me later." By dedicating time each week to thinking, you'll develop the clarity and insight needed to make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and avoid costly mistakes. Thinking time is simple but profound. Implement it consistently, and you'll be amazed by the results.

The road to success is often paved not with more effort but with better thinking. So lock yourself away, turn off the noise, and start asking the questions that will lead you to smarter decisions and greater success.

Oh, one more thing: go buy The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham. I'm not an affiliate, just a fan because it's one of the best books on business out there. Now go buy it. You'll thank me later :)

Watch a short video on YouTube: A game-changing leadership habit for new managers

ACTION STEPS: 

1. Block time in your calendar: schedule two 30-45 minute sessions each week for the next month. Treat these sessions as non-negotiable.
2. Reflect on your work: before your first session, take a moment to reflect on the biggest challenges or opportunities in your work. This will help you focus your questions and maximize your thinking time."
3. Prepare a list of critical questions: before each session, come with a few thought-provoking questions to guide your thinking time. Challenge yourself to dig deeper than surface-level inquiries.
4. Create a distraction-free space: Find a place where you can think without interruptions. Turn off your phone, put away your laptop or shut down your computer, lock away your smart watch and eliminate distractions.
5. Review and refine your insights: After each session, spend 15 minutes reviewing your notes. Identify the most actionable ideas and set a plan for implementation. Reflect on these ideas in your next thinking session to refine and improve them.