How to Get Your Head Out of Your (Bleep)

I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been told to get my head out of my (bleep). I’ve heard it so often people must think I’m a contortionist. I’m not. I’m just a freelance writer who loses sight of the big picture while dealing with the minutia of my work. In my defense, it’s easy to do. I’m my own assistant handling all the clerical work, travel arrangements and follow up with sources and clients. 

But keeping my head out of my (bleep) is important, too. I want to be going places in life, and I won’t go anywhere with my head up my (bleep). Here are a few things I do to keep my head permanently dislodged and thinking clearly:

 

A. Meditation, sort of. I recently interviewed a small business owner who decided to start her business while meditating in the morning. She does it every day. I snickered at first. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I need time to clear my head, and that requires no distractions. So I rise before the wife and kids wake up, make some coffee and just think. The only challenge is staying awake. I dozed off after 15 minutes, but at least that 15 minutes was quality. I’m doing it again tomorrow. And the day after, and the day after.

 

B. Running/working out. I hate myself for suggesting this. After all, I loathe the smug gym rats and avid runners who talk about their workouts or mileage counts for the week. (Bleep) them. But I admit my mind works so much better after a run or workout. Sure, I think about the physical pain and exhaustion I’m going through at the time. But I’m also NOT thinking about minutia. And that’s what it’s all about. 

 

C. Listening to myself talk in the car. We all do freaky things when we’re driving alone. Just admit it, nose picker. For me, long and short car rides are chances to flesh out the millions of thoughts streaming through my head. I think of it as a verbal journal. When my thoughts are out there in the open, I can piece them together and figure things out. Oh sure, I’ve been busted by people who have pulled up next to me at red lights. But thanks to those fancy Blue Tooth earpieces everyone has now, most gawkers assume I’m using one of those.