Last week I returned to Henley Business School, where I am an alumnus. It was wonderful to turn off the road and follow the drive over the meadow where cows were grazing in the morning sun, on a lovely crisp day. One of the cows choosing, at that moment, to amble slowly across the drive so I had to stop. Giving me an opportunity to see rather than rush.
Henley Business School is set on the edge of the River Thames, just a short distance from the town where the world famous rowing regatta takes place every year. It was the first Business School in the United Kingdom and has always been one of the top performing schools across the world – this is a special place indeed.
Since I graduated I have frequently returned. Always aiming to attend at least once per year, albeit it was a little longer than usual this time. As always there is progress and this time was certainly no exception. After delightful and valuable meeting I spent a little time walk around the grounds, something that was common practice when studying there. Something that was, and still is, an integral part of Henley learning. The conversations with like minded business students from all over the world created a rich experience, an experience that I value to this day. Also there was time for reflection in such a beautiful setting.
Now this last point got me thinking about the speed with which our worlds spin. And that is when I realized something. Away from the usual fast pace of life and taking some time to reflect again made me remember why places such as Henley are so effective – they make us focus on the matter in hand.
If we are investing time away from the hum of daily life, time away from people we care about, we really do make sure that time counts – we do make sure there is focus on what we are there to do. The fact there are fewer distractions is all part of the rich experience. Now this is something that I will admit to periodically forgetting, falling into the ‘more haste less speed’ trap, so, I shall be taking more time to focus.
This one single action, focus, is what differentiates the highly successful from the less successful people. Apparently, the average person has between 2,500 – 3,000 thoughts per day whilst the most successful have fewer than 1,200. Because they focus and don’t get distracted – interesting…..
Now are you going to get caught up in the ‘noise’ of daily life, or are you going to focus too?
Food for thought, and a thought that needs action!
My best wishes,
Peter
