When I used to row, we had an infamous fitness test called the “Hour of Power.” This involved sitting down on the erg, setting the timer for one hour, and rowing non-stop until the clock read zero.
[For those unfamiliar with the "glory" of indoor rowing - this is what it looks like ... for an hour.]
These tests took more focus and concentration than anything else going on in my life at the time. Imagine blocking out the world for an entire hour to think about doing one thing, over and over again, each time better than the time before. At the end of it though, you feel like you’ve accomplished something.
My sister and I now delight in a similar experience called “Power Hours.” It’s one hour where we turn off the world around us to focus on new ideas, interesting stories and best practices we’ve learned, and on innovative ways to achieve our goals. We challenge each other to think differently and to revisit our actions to ensure that next time is that much better. We work and chat quickly to ensure we leverage every minute we have. At the end of the hour, we both walk away more inspired and more positive, and with a ton of gold nuggets in our notebooks. It is a pure boost of power!
The Power Hour we had tonight was just what we both needed. It reminded us about the importance of living your values, great partners (in life and work), and genuine behaviour. The best part of the Power Hours, in my opinion, is that they are with someone that adds as much value to my life as I do to theirs.
If you can find time in your schedule to book an hour long meeting with your colleagues that leaves you bored, tired, and unproductive – you can find enough time to book a Power Hour!
Sit down, set the timer for an hour, and ideate until the clock reads zero.
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