A Simple Formula to Create MarginIntentionally unplugging has become an increasingly important idea in today’s world. There have been countless articles written about how taking time off is the secret to increased productivity. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years that confirm that we all need time rest. As a whole, our society has realized the value of jumping off the hamster wheel to relax, recover, and refuel our mental resources.

But, if we’re being honest with ourselves, most of us still suck at this. According to a recent study, 41% of Americans didn’t take a single day of vacation last year. We get nervous about what our bosses will think if we ask for time off. We convince ourselves that there’s too much to do. And so we feel stuck, desperately needing a break, but feeling like we can’t create the kind of margin we need because of our responsibilities or obligations.

Taking Off an Entire Year?

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across this Ted Talk about the value of taking time off. The speaker explained that every seven years, he closes his business for an entire year to take a sabbatical.

If you’re like me, your first reaction was something like: “A year off? I can never do that… Of course, it works for this guy, but that’s not how most of the world works.”

A Simple Formula to Create Margin Throughout the Year

As I started to sink into a deep depression after watching the video, I began to consider what could be possible. I might not be able to take an entire year off, but maybe I could find a way to be more intentional about creating the margin we all desperately need.

I stumbled across a simple formula. While we might not be able to unplug completely for a year (or even a month), could we be intentional to set aside:

• One hour a day
• One day a month
• One week a year

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m still working on this. But I’m always reminded of the value of intentionally creating margin in my life when I am disciplined enough to do it.

Unfortunately, many of us don’t intentionally create margin in our lives until we desperately need it. If you’re thinking, “That’s impossible. There’s no way I can do that with my current schedule.” To that I would say, try it.

Margin is not something that just happens. You have to fight for it. My hope is that this simple formula can help you take steps towards creating more margin in your life so you can continue to grow into the best version of yourself.

I’d love to know: What are some ways you intentionally create margin in your life?