A talk at The Change School GYM (Gym for Your Mind)

1. GYMBite-size HIITs for curious minds
WHERE YOU GO TO
Un-learn. Learn. Re-Learn.

2. A L I G N I N G
VA L U E S A N D L I F E C H O I C E S
T H R O U G H
S E L F - D I R E C T E D L E A R N I N G
The Change School is a holistic education provider for transformative learning
and self-actualisation. We design and deliver experiential programs to develop
every person’s intellectual, emotional, physiological and creative potential -
encouraging both personal and collective responsibility to continuously learn and
grow. We work with individuals and organisations to build connection, meaning
and self-directed learning for life and work in the 21st century and beyond.
We believe, with the right tools, change can be a force for good.
Embrace Change. Navigate through Change. Thrive in Change.

3. W H Y
Change is the only constant in life - Heraclitus
Change Cycle

4. W H AT W E D O
E X P E R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G I N A N A C T I V E &
C O L L A B O R AT I V E P E E R E N V I R O N M E N T
LEARNING
JOURNEYS //
RETREATS
BITE-SIZE
CLASSES // GYM
BITE-SIZE
PROGRAMS //
PRIVATE GYM

5. Individuals need self-awareness and
clarity of their personal values
They can align their values in
life and work with clarity,
confidence and emotional
intelligence
They are better equipped to
navigate through change and
by remaining resilient and in a state
of flow.
They can become socially and
culturally sensitive citizens of the
world who continually inspire
others to do good.
Action and change
become reality.
H O W
Theory Of Change

6. H O W T O M A K E T H E
M O S T O F Y O U R T I M E O F F
What we will cover…
• The importance of time off
• The case for time off
• Common barriers
• Intention and goal setting
• Switching Off vs Switching Modes
• Planned vs Unplanned time off
• Aligning values and choices
• Getting unstuck (Change Ventures)
• Helpful resources
• Your roadmap
• Recap and key takeaways
• Discussion points

7. T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F T I M E O F F
Research shows that we need to be much smarter about what we’re actually
doing when we have time off, in order to reap the full benefits, such as:
• Work/Life balance
• Energy and sense of well-being
• Prevent burn-out (emotional, physical, mental sustainability)
• Positive work reflection (or any reflection)
• Proactive and constructive behaviour
• Creative flow
• New perspective

8. T H E C A S E F O R T I M E O F F
Scientific studies suggest a direct correlation between quality time off and
productivity, positivity, clarity and creativity. If feelings of guilt are preventing you
from taking time off, it may be worth learning more about its actual benefits.
Focused vs Diffused mode Optimising Energy
"Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is a necessary condition that is
indispensable to the brain …deprived of it, we suffer mental affliction.”

9. "The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary
condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole,
for making unexpected connections and waiting for the
wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration—it is,
paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.”
New York Times

10. C O M M O N B A R R I E R S
• Auto-pilot mode
• Not planning ahead
• Keeping busy
• Failing to draw boundaries
• Under-valuing slow, pause, presence
• Being uncomfortable alone
• Quantity vs Quality
• Neglecting self-care out of guilt

11. W H AT ’ S S T O P P I N G Y O U ?

12. Making the most of time off is a conscious choice
to live live intentionally and realise our goals.

13. • Big picture review
• Get organised / caught up
• Strategise and prioritise
• Improve relationships
• New experience
• Planning or preparation
• Increased productivity or presence
• Downtime
W H AT I S Y O U R I N T E N T I O N ?

14. When it comes to taking quality time off, the problem doesn’t lie so much
what we have to do, but with ourselves and our mindset. Rather than
switching off, think about switching modes based on what you need:
• Non-work mode (psychological detachment)
• Relaxation mode (in praise of slow)
• Learning mode (mastery experience)
• Social mode (community experience)
• Helping mode (social benefit)
S W I T C H I N G O F F V S S W I T C H I N G M O D E S

15. M O V E F O R WA R D
PLANNED
• Maximise return on time invested
• Logistics
• Knowing what to expect
• Better for groups or distant
destinations
• Psychological comfort
UNPLANNED
• Being in the moment
• Freedom and flexibility
• Adventure of the unknown
• More relaxation
• New discoveries
• Breaking routine

23. Thinking Beyond Borders - https://thinkingbeyondborders.org
UnCollege - uncollege.org
Career Shifters - http://www.careershifters.org/
Career Break Site - http://www.thecareerbreaksite.com/
Your Sabbatical - http://yoursabbatical.com/
O N L I N E R E S O U R C E S
H E L P F U L R E S O U R C E S
What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast – And Two
Other Short Guides to Achieving More at Work and at Home
• What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast—to jump-
start the day productively.
• What the Most Successful People Do On the Weekend—to
recharge and prepare for a great week.
• What the Most Successful People Do at Work—to accomplish
more in less time.
R E A D I N G

24. Play with
POSSIBILITIES
Tie up
LOOSE ENDS
Get in the right
MINDSET
Decide
WHEN
Decide
HOW LONG
Decide
WHERE
Know your
WHY
Set your
INTENTION
Define your
GOALS
Phase 1:
REFLECT
Phase 2:
PLAN
Phase 3:
PREPARE
Y O U R R O A D M A P

25. R E C A P & K E Y TA K E A WAY
• Productivity x3 (and resources)
• Clarity x2 (and guidance)
• Better quality time off x2
• How to switch off and actually enjoy days off without the guilt and stress.
• How to better organise free time and do the things I want to
(e.g. learn a new language)
• What to plan for and what kinds of things to expect, emotionally and practically
• Life hacks
• Ideas, inspiration, good vibes

26. T H I N G S T O C O N S I D E R
• What is your intention?
• What do you want to achieve?
• How much time do you need?
• What are the optimal conditions for you to reach your goal?
• What does productivity or “doing more” mean to you?
• What’s on your Dream List (do you have one)?
• What routines or smaller habits do you want to build?
• Where (or to whom) do you want to invest more time or attention?

27. T H A N K Y O U !
W E B S I T E : T H E C H A N G E S C H O O L . C O M
E M A I L : H E L L O @ T H E C H A N G E S C H O O L . C O M