Back to Basics!
Make this your ONE new habit for 2026!
👉 Time to reset the basics - Mozart time!
As the manager of a big and busy branch of a major UK bank, I was caught in a ‘whirlwind’. Time to think was scarce. I was out of control, running ever faster & going nowhere. I would arrive home tired, questioning what, if anything, I had achieved. This was before email, mobiles & teams meetings.
Then, I heard a story which, over time, transformed my career & changed my life. It may not even be true. By applying the lesson of the story I created a habit which became central to my success and enabled me to regain control in the short-term. Over time it helped me set goals, find clarity, breakthroughs & success.
The story is about Mozart. Apparently, Mozart suffered from composers cramp. To overcome it, he walked alone through beautiful countryside listening to birds, watching deer & inhaling the smells of the forest. Isolated from the world & free from distraction he composed music again in his head.
After reflecting on the story’s meaning, I put an appointment in my diary with Mozart. An appointment for myself, by myself & with myself. It became my daily time to think, away from distractions & the pressure of the moment. Just me, my journal & thoughts. Some days it is 15 mins, other days 30.
I hold that apptment every working day. I don’t listen to Mozart or any music. I avoid distractions or the possibility of interruptions. I am away from my laptop/ phone. If my phone is with me, it’s on silent. Mozart time is time to slow down & get out of the inbox, endless meetings & daily whirlwind.
Some days, I think on a theme whilst on other days I think more freely. I rewrite my goals, affirmations, things I am proud of & grateful for. This helps my belief system/mindset.
Over time, Mozart time has changed my life. At its core is this belief: ‘Greatness requires stillness. From stillness comes clarity & from clarity comes innovation, breakthrough and success’.
Think about your life right now:
👉 Are you caught in a ‘whirlwind?’
👉 Do you reach the end of the day and question what you have achieved?
👉 How and when do you slowdown to speed up?
👉 How and when do you create some stillness to think?
👉 Where do you capture your thoughts and ideas?
👉 How often do you revisit these ideas?
👉 How and when do you think about your goals and how to move your life forward?
ACTION:
✅ Start blocking out 15-30 minutes each day in your diary for an appointment with Mozart.
✅ Turn your phone to silent & avoid looking at it.
✅ Sit with your journal & thoughts
✅ Capture what comes to mind - think about how you can move forward in all aspects of your life.
✅ If you need a theme, start with ‘How do I improve my...?’ then add whatever is applicable to you. Ideas could be: attitude, confidence, energy, leadership skills, coaching, customer service, parenting, health/fitness, goal-setting - the list is endless.
#whatwinnersdo #futureyou #stillness #journal #clarity #dare2soar #success #winninghabits