Not on a 360

I have a client who loves to potter - to sort, arrange, and make space.

I would go as far as saying ‘pottering’ is part of what makes her tick. She needs it to create space for thoughts, relax, find space in between all the roles and expectations she carries.

Pottering does not show up on any Myers Briggs, Strength Finders or 360 assessment. It’s not something discussed in appraisals. But it has been a focus of our calls.

Our conversations have allowed her to see how much she needs and likes this side of herself. She has begun to notice the negative impact when she doesn’t make time to potter.

Many would argue pottering is not a productive use of time. But, as we know, the more demands we put on our time, the less productive we actually become. For my client,  pottering means she is re-energised to think about the next board meeting or how to be more proactive with her senior team. Pottering can free her from her inner judge.

And it’s simply a lovely thing to do.

Even the word is lovely!

I would put it in the same category as ‘mooching’. My mum and I like a good mooch round an antique shop. We’re just seeing what’s there. There is no expectation for us to buy or be on the lookout for a certain something. It’s freeing.

But don’t be fooled. Pottering is not the same as tidying.

Many of us go to tidy when we are annoyed or frustrated by something. It’s an outlet. We get a short-term fix as the space looks better. Internally though very little shifts. In fact, these thoughts and feelings just wait for the next time we get triggered by that person or the same conversation going round and round at work. And another layer is added on.

So why can pottering be beneficial?

Pottering can allow you to become mindful. It’s a conscious use of time that encourages relaxation rather than striving to achieve something. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to fill all our spare time being productive.

It’s the spaces in between doing that offer us a chance to re-connect with what matters.

It’s the spaces that help us discover how we want to show up. It’s the spaces where we learn about how we want to lead.

How can you make some space for some pottering or mooching this week?

No guilt. No judgement. Just being. Moving from one small activity to another. If you don’t already potter, make it a priority this week. And let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear how pottering works for you.

I’m Sally, and my role is to create a space for change. I want you to become more fascinated by yourself, to see what makes you tick and how you can bring more of it into your day.

The people I work with invest in themselves because if they don’t, who will?

Do you know someone who might benefit from pottering? Share this with them.