Our schedule as a family is quite radically different when we are on the field than when we are back home and preparing for the next project. It seems more and more that people are facing quite a change in terms of work commitments and family time. I know that this is hard to find the tension in, but we live quite an extraordinary example of this in recent years.
When we are involved in projects, it is very intensive and immersive and when we get back from the field and reintegrate into the days to day of family, school and reflection, I am always amazed at what I discover about myself and how dramatically different reflection can be on daily life. I have always been an A-type personality, always active, motivated and moving… But it is so healthy and useful to evaluate and reflect on past successes and particular failures or misadventures.
Obviously this is the case for everybody, but whether you are super busy or have time to reflect, use the time wisely and get the best out of each. If you are busy more often than not, make sure that you make the time to reflect. It is essential to productive and informed future decisions and will allow you to evaluate and change tack when it is needed.
I prefer being busy, but I am realising the value of reflection too. Maybe it’s wisdom, and when I do act hopefully it will come to bear on what I do… Hopefully! : ) don’t move too quickly on or upwards or forwards to the next thing without looking back to see if your trajectory is true and sure. You might find a moment to reflect will save you more time lost than you think.