# Permission to Think By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-10-18 If one never thinks, one exists within and perpetuates the status quo. There is no opportunity for meaning or purpose to live. One does what one does. It is robotic and largely devoid of intrinsic value. For all the rebellion against religion, almost everyone advocates for taking time to think and reflect. This universality must mean something beyond persuading one to believe a certain way. Taking time to think is rewarding and creates a purpose beyond merely existing. Some take this practice and advocate for various forms of actions that are counter to robotic economic motives. What is the immediate economic incentive for helping a stranger or putting in additional time to see something through? There is often no quick return. Some argue that there is a long-term return, but this is a forecast full of uncertainty and randomness. Yet, people who think, reflect, and are mindful do these things with intentionality and meaning. So, how often does one's organization encourage taking time to think? Most do not. Instead, employees are stuck in endless robotic transactions, so there is zero incentive to do anything beyond the standard other than the idea that a promotion will improve things. But here's the secret no one talks about: even less thinking and time for reflection happens as one climbs the ladder. One will be stuck in even more robotic transactions and be frustrated by never having time to think. Except, does one need permission to think? Are the priorities the priorities? Systemically and statistically, 80% of one's priorities and work are unimportant. So, stop doing them, think, and continue not doing them. It's the most straightforward and hardest thing one can do. The status quo loves nothing more than keeping one from reaching the stars. #### Related Items [[Thinking]] [[Progress]] [[Organization]] [[Management]] [[Systems Thinking]] [[Status Quo]] [[Mindfulness]] [[Work]] [[Priorities]]