Two weeks ago, I was given a take-home project for a job interview. It was a great way to force my focus. For seven days, I did nothing else. I went all-in, and I shipped it.
Now that I’m waiting for the results, however, I feel a bit directionless. There is no reason to. I have endless projects I could be doing. In fact, my taxes are breathing down my neck yet again, and it’s about time to get cracking. But for some reason, knowing I’m in a gap does not help. Chances are, it’ll close before I know it, and I won’t have done all that much. Alas, the next gap will come.
Some gaps are for recovering. For catching your breath before the next targeted sprint. Others are for taking care of business. For tying up loose ends you’d otherwise never get around to tying. Which gap is which? That’s up to you. You must listen to your heart and figure out what you need. Should you lie down? Or should you get moving?
All gaps are waiting rooms, and all waiting rooms are places of transience. But just because our stay is temporary does not mean it need be without meaning. Make the most out of your gaps—even when “the most” means doing nothing at all.
