There are a million ways we’re told to “invest in yourself”—read this book, listen to that podcast, sign up for this course, get a coach, attend that retreat. And while all of those can be valuable, they often come with barriers: time, cost, access, or simply the mental energy required to engage.
But there’s one investment that bypasses all of that. It’s simple. It’s free. You can start doing it today. And it consistently delivers exponential returns.
It’s the act of creating space to think.
No apps. No subscriptions. No certifications. Just intentional time set aside—daily, weekly, or even monthly—to pause, reflect, and let your thoughts breathe.
I call this green space thinking. It’s not a structured practice or a rigid system. It’s an approach to giving yourself the margin to think deeply, creatively, and clearly. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, a teacher, a stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between—this is something everyone can benefit from.
My writing often centers around leadership, performance, and wellness. These aren’t isolated areas of our lives—they’re connected. When one strengthens, the others often rise with it. Green space thinking is one of those rare habits that touches all three at once.
So, what does it look like?
It looks like blocking time on your calendar just to think. It looks like stepping away from distractions, from screens, from the constant pull to do. It’s unstructured time—open-ended, free-flowing, and quiet. Sometimes you’ll use it to explore a specific challenge. Other times, you’ll simply let your mind wander.
And here’s the thing: the highest-performing individuals and leaders I’ve worked with—across industries, across countries—do this regularly.
Let me share an example.
A while back, I did some strategy work with an executive leader at a global organization—someone with a multi-billion-dollar budget and teams across several continents. His schedule was, as you’d expect, packed. But a large block of time every Friday was intentionally blocked off—non-negotiable.
That time was for thinking.
He called it his “green time,” and it was color-coded green on his calendar. It was often time around when we met to discuss strategy and big decisions. Time he used to prepare, reflect, and mentally process what we discussed. That space wasn’t a luxury—it was a key part of how he led. And it showed. His clarity, his ability to make complex decisions, guide his team, and even his personal well-being were elevated because he made space to think.
This wasn’t five-minute breaks or thoughts on the go. This was deliberate, protected time. That’s what made the difference.
And while his story is powerful, green space thinking isn’t reserved for executives. Everyone has their own version.
For me, that space often shows up outdoors—when I’m running or hiking alone. No headphones. No content to absorb. Just quiet movement through nature. I don’t head out with an agenda. I don’t try to force a breakthrough. I just go, and let my thoughts rise and settle as they will.
What I’ve found is that some of my best ideas, clearest decisions, and most grounded perspectives emerge in those moments. I don’t structure it. I just show up for it. And that’s often enough.
The beauty of green space thinking is that it’s instantly available. You don’t need to wait for the “right” time or circumstance. You can try it today. Block 30 minutes on your calendar. Step outside. Sit quietly. Go for a walk. Leave your phone behind if you can. Let your mind stretch a bit.
You might be surprised by what surfaces.
In a world that rewards constant doing, green space thinking invites us to pause. To step back. To reconnect with our own clarity. And whether you’re leading teams, making important decisions, building something new, or simply navigating life—it’s one of the most valuable investments you can make.
So here’s my invitation: Find your green space. Protect it. Make it yours. And let it become the place where your best thinking begins.
See you next week,
Brent, your Rivr Guide
