In a recent post, branding consultant Joe Duffy encouraged creatives to stop going to work. I believe his thoughts apply to more people than just the creative types.

“What makes you happy? When do you feel most inspired? What is it that generates new ideas and fruitful energy in your life? Find those things. Nurture them. Respect them. Being someplace, like in the office, for appearances sake is futile.

“When I am happy, I am more creative and more productive.

“When I am productive, I feel accomplished and happy. When I'm happy, I am most creative. It's a good, not a vicious, cycle.

“Fresh ideas come from fresh minds. Fresh minds need constant and new stimulus.”

Leaders and thinkers of all stripes need to tend to and cultivate that side of their personhood. For too long we’ve bought into the idea that we can give our best on a few hours sleep and a slice or two of cold pizza to tide us over. But there is not a bit of research in existence that supports that. Getting our best requires attention to our minds and our souls.

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