10 Minutes?

“Just give me 10 minutes. I just need 10 minutes alone. To not deal with a thing, to not answer my phone.” – Joe Budden, 10 Minutes

These lyrics are from a song that was shared with me in undergrad after a particularly stressful experience.  People who are driven to chase goals and make an impact have a natural tendency to stretch themselves.  Which is a good thing because in reaching that edge which exists beyond our comfort zone we can discover and create things we never would have imagined if we limited our scope to what is known and comfortable.  In the context of the business school experience things that personally stretch you are multiplied by accountability to others (working groups, student organizations, professors, etc.).   One thing I’m learning is that while I may never be able to reign in my ambition (or the corresponding extension associated with it) or my duty to others, I can be more proactive in creating outlets and opportunities away from the grind.   Within the last week I have incorporated Joe Budden’s lyrics into my daily agenda.  Without fail I have carved 10 minutes into everyday to read something not related to school and give my mind a short break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of my life.  This small amount of time has had a large amount of impact for me personally.  It may not be reading for you, it may be something else.  Whatever your 10 minutes are take them and enjoy them.  I promise that you will thank me later.