The Power of Discretionary Time: Elevating Leadership and Creativity

Leaders often find themselves spinning multiple plates—meeting tight deadlines, solving complex problems, and reacting to the relentless demands of their roles. Amid this whirlwind, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture and the creative, strategic thinking needed to move forward. This is where discretionary time becomes a game-changer.

Stacy Ennis, a coach, writer, and speaker, shares how intentional time management transforms leadership impact and personal fulfilment. Let’s explore her insights on leveraging discretionary time, nurturing creativity, and designing a life that supports strategic goals.

“Discretionary time is intentional, protected time for creativity, strategic thinking, and focus.”

In the hustle and bustle of modern leadership, creating space for deep work may seem like a luxury. However, neuroscience tells a different story. When leaders prioritise undistracted, high-focus time, their productivity and problem-solving capabilities soar.

Stacy recommends carving out 1–4 hours daily for discretionary time, ideally in the morning, before the "trap door to the brain" opens—emails, notifications, and reactive tasks that fracture focus. Even starting with 30 minutes can yield significant results.

Learn more about Stacy’s approach to discretionary time by watching the full masterclass. Click here to gain actionable insights and start your transformation today.

Why Leaders Need Discretionary Time

1. Enhancing Focus: Research shows that it takes 24 minutes to refocus after an interruption. Discretionary time helps eliminate distractions and enables leaders to operate at peak efficiency.
2. Deep Work: This is the time to tackle strategic projects, craft meaningful plans, or dive into creative challenges that require undivided attention.
3. Setting an Example: When leaders prioritise focus, they inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of intentionality and productivity.

Boredom Sparks Creativity

Ennis highlights the surprising role of silence and boredom in unlocking creativity. “Routine and quietness are our best friends when it comes to innovation,” she explains. Building daily habits—whether journaling, stretching, or simply sitting in silence—prepares the brain to enter a creative flow state.

For leaders, even short moments of quiet reflection can lead to breakthroughs in strategic thinking and innovation.

Practical Tips to Nurture Creativity:

• Limit Morning Distractions: Avoid checking emails or news first thing. Respect your brain’s need for clarity and focus.
• Incorporate Silence: Aim for 30 minutes of uninterrupted silence daily. This could be during a walk or while commuting.
• Start Small: Dedicate 10 minutes to writing, brainstorming, or reflecting. Gradually expand this time as you experience its benefits.

Designing a Life That Supports Impact

Lifestyle design is not just about time management; it’s about aligning your daily routine with your goals and values. As Ennis notes, “When you have a vision for your day, you make intentional choices that support creativity, balance, and focus.”

She emphasises the importance of flexibility and reflection. Life’s unpredictability means that no routine will be perfect, but by consistently returning to intentional habits, leaders can recalibrate when things go awry.

Constraints: The Catalyst for Innovation

Ironically, limitations—whether time, resources, or scope—can be a leader’s greatest ally. Constraints force creativity and efficiency. Ennis shares how tight deadlines often lead to more innovative solutions. This principle applies to everything from daily planning to large-scale strategic initiatives.

“Constraints are a powerful tool for problem-solving.”

Embracing the Power of Your Story

For leaders looking to deepen their impact, writing a book can be a transformative journey. As Ennis explains, the process of clarifying ideas and communicating them effectively often unlocks new levels of influence and credibility.

Whether through writing, speaking, or coaching, finding a platform to share your unique insights ensures your message resonates far beyond your immediate circle.

To explore how to implement discretionary time, foster creativity, and design a meaningful life, watch the full masterclass with Stacy Ennis. Unlock strategies to elevate your leadership journey today.

This blog draws insights from the inspiring conversation with Stacy Ennis, a coach, writer, and speaker passionate about helping leaders harness their creativity and impact, as part of The CIO Circle masterclass series.

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