“The best thinking has been done in solitude. The worst has been done in turmoil.”

Thomas Edison

 When you are in the heat of battle, on the field of play, or in the midst of executing a business meeting, it’s too late to start thinking through strategy, tactics, and techniques in handling issues that arise.  All of this thinking and planning must be done in a place free of distractions, free of external voices and influencers.  Our best and most creative thoughts, taking what we have learned and assimilated, and forging them into an executable plan, is only done in the quiet silence of solitude.

Superman used this Mental Toughness tool, and, well, he was pretty tough and effective.  I love silence.  I crave it.  Nothing starts my day off worse than the TV or radio blaring, interjecting noise and clamor into my bubble of calm.  I want to hear my own thoughts and that can only be accomplished sans outside voices.

Yes, I am aware of current events, pop culture, sports, politics, movies and avidly read.  I enjoy engaging conversation with others, and without being plugged into society it is difficult to connect to others.  I’m not suggesting going off the grid, becoming a monk, living as a hermit or disengaging from the world around us.  Quite the opposite, that’s where the fun and joy of life is.

What I am suggesting is that in order to have more fun, to enjoy success and fulfillment, we should carve out a slice of our time to retreat into our own “fortress of solitude”, whether it’s a quiet morning cup of coffee on the couch, the drive to work with the radio off, a long trail run, or a solo yoga session.  Shut down the distractions we are bombarded with every day, and enjoy hearing your own creative thoughts.

Boo Yah!