In our book I Hate People!, we maintain that people can be more productive by becoming a Soloist. The Soloist isn't a loner but instead is that adventuresome, creative spirit that tends to get crushed by too many meetings, interruptions and annoying co-workers. To help you to discover (or re-discover) the Soloist within you, yearning to escape, here are eight secrets that will help you to kick loose from the daily grind for a little while.
1. Let Your Calls Go To Voicemail
Unless you're expecting an important call, stop jumping to answer every time the phone rings.
2. Turn Off Your E-mail Arrival Alert
We've become worse than Pavlov's dog. Check your e-mail when you want to, not every time that chime goes off.
3. Get In Five Minutes Early
Before the madness starts, just a few leisurely minutes at your desk -- reading the news, sports or celebrity gossip -- can start the day off right.
4. Mini-Brainstorm With Your Ensemble
A Soloist's Ensemble is his trusted group. His gang. His posse. Just by firing off a single question to your Ensemble about something that's got you stumped can bring back a handful of useful answers in minutes.
5. Slow To A Stroll
Unless you're racing to make a flight at the airport, everything else can wait until you get there. Any time you catch yourself in that frantic speedwalking pace between meetings, tap the brakes a bit and slow it down.
6. Cut The Caff
Coffee is not a substitute for rest, so get rid of the caffeine and wean yourself off the "liquid nap". Switch to green tea, starting cutting your regular joe with decaf or go for a glass of water until your heartbeat starts to approach normal (under 90 beats a minute) for a change.
7. NanoNap
Practice turning your back to the door in your cube or office then shutting your eyes for a few minutes at a time. If anyone catches you, tell them you're meditating or imitating Winston Churchill (a famous napper.)
8. Take The Stairs
A little exercise never hurt anyone, which is the excuse you need to take the stairs instead of the elevator. What you're really getting are a few floors of peace and quiet at whatever pace you want to go.
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