Sahil Bloom is an inspirational writer and content creator, captivating millions of people every week through his social insights and bi-weekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle.
Guest Author: Sahil Bloom
A simple monthly ritual that will change your life in 2024.
The Think Day:
In the 1980s, Microsoft founder Bill Gates began an annual tradition he called the Think Week.
He would seclude himself in a remote location, close all communication, and spend an entire week dedicated to reading, learning, and thinking.
The radical approach became a core part of his process:
“Think Week is a time when I can be creative and push my own thinking. It’s a time to step outside the day-to-day demands of my job and really focus on the big picture.” – Bill Gates
I first read about the Think Week years ago and immediately knew I wanted to give it a shot.
I knew I didn’t have an entire week to dedicate to it (early career demands, family priorities, etc.), but I figured I could adapt something with a similar vision.
The Think Day was my creation:
Pick one day each month (or quarter) to step back from your day-to-day professional demands.
• Seclude yourself (mentally or physically)
• Shut off notifications on your devices
• Put up an out-of-office response
The goal is to create space to spend the entire day reading, learning, journaling, and THINKING.
By doing this, you create the free time to zoom out, open your mind, and think creatively about the bigger picture.
My essential tools for the Think Day:
• Journal and pen
• Books/articles I’ve been wanting to read
• Secluded location (at home, Airbnb, or outside)
• Thinking question prompts to spark my mind
6 thinking question prompts I’ve found useful:
1. How can you do less, but better?
2. Are you hunting antelope (big important problems) or field mice (small urgent problems)?
3. What are your strongest beliefs? What would it take for you to change your mind on them?
4. What are a few things that you know now that you wish you knew 5 years ago?
5. What actions were you engaged in 5 years ago that you cringe at today? What actions are you engaged in today that you will cringe at in 5 years?
6. What would your 80-year-old self say about your decisions today?
I aim for an 8-hour window (typical 9-5 day) split into 60-minute focus blocks with walks in between. The walks open your mind to more creative thinking (don’t neglect them!).
You have to slow down to speed up.
In a world obsessed with speed, the benefits of slowing down are extensive:
• Restore energy
• Notice things you missed
• Be more deliberate with action
• Focus on the highest leverage opportunities
The Think Day can be a secret weapon for you in 2024. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.
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