My best ideas come when I let my mind play.

When I am 100% present, doing something fun.

I know that. So, why can it be so hard to actually do it?

Greg McKeown talks about this in Essentialism.

(One of the most important personal development books I've read.)

And it's not just my experience, it's basically human nature.

Great ideas and "aha's" happen out of the blue...

Playing with kids.
Hanging with family.
Taking a walk.
Staring at the ocean.

But it can be really hard to stop ruminating about a problem.

It's a discipline.

One I still admit I need more practice with.

But it has played out in my life over and over again.

If you are struggling to solve a problem or come up with a solution...

Try using the weekend to let your mind play.

Be present somewhere other than work.

And just maybe you'll have that "aha" you're looking for.