There are moments in my professional life where I’ve realized I need to take a step back from a project I am working on. This is not an indication of defeat or a sign that I have reached an impasse. In contrast, it’s a strategic decision to let the project rest for a moment, to allow a temporary hiatus. This retreat could last a day, or it might stretch for a month or even a year. The duration is not what’s critical here. What matters is the willingness to shift my focus away, just for a while.
The benefit of this ‘benching’ tactic is that it presents an opportunity for me to later revisit the project with a renewed perspective, a fresh mindset. It’s amazing how a bit of distance can dissolve mental blocks and spur original ideas. Mundane moments such as a workout session at the gym or a long, warm shower become transformative periods where I can subconsciously or consciously brainstorm alternative approaches to the project.
Moreover, it’s not unusual to realize during these intervals that I’m missing a few critical building blocks to complete the project satisfactorily. The advantage of stepping back is that it gives me the breathing room I need to acquire the knowledge I lack or find the missing link that was previously elusive. This investigation period could range from taking a quick online course to going through a stack of relevant texts or consulting with industry experts.
At times, the missing piece might be something trivial – a simple solution that I’ve overlooked. However, there are occurrences where it turns out to be a substantial, fundamental piece of knowledge that I didn’t even realize was essential initially. This realization can be both humbling and enlightening, reminding me of the vast universe of knowledge that exists and the joys of being self-taught.
A self-paced learning journey is indeed a rigorous adventure, full of stumbling blocks and triumphant discoveries. It tests the limits of my patience, resilience, and determination. But it also breathes life into my professional endeavors, infusing each project with a unique sense of ownership and pride. By allowing myself the flexibility to take a step back when needed, I’ve found that I am able to return to each ‘benched’ project with a fresher perspective, renewed enthusiasm, and often a more effective approach to solving complex problems.