Make some space

The strategy of creating buffer time

That title sounds like a shady business book, doesn't it? (lol)

However, this time it's about how I think time should be spent.

It seems that those who are good at their work have packed schedules, but in reality, they intentionally leave "unscheduled time." I feel that this seemingly wasted buffer is what greatly influences the quality and speed of their results.

Many people think “I have to fill this time” when they see a free slot. This is because they feel a sense of security when their schedule is full. However, that sense of security is merely a feeling of “being busy,” and it doesn't necessarily equate to "results."

Rather, a schedule that is too full creates unseen risks. Your field of vision narrows, your judgment becomes careless, and as a result, you miss opportunities that you would have otherwise been able to seize.

Even though these differences are small individually, they become a significant gap when they accumulate. It's not the power to fill your schedule, but the power to intentionally leave it empty. Whether or not you can grasp this feeling will completely change the results, even when using the same amount of time.

Today I'll write about the concept of "creating blank time."

Busyness dulls judgment.

When our schedules are packed, people unconsciously enter “processing mode.” The goal becomes completing the task at hand, and the act of "thinking" gets pushed aside.

This is a very dangerous situation, and it can be fatal, especially in jobs like real estate where decisions are directly linked to profits.

For example, a case that should have been examined more deeply is rushed through with a superficial judgment due to time constraints. Conversely, a case that should have been rejected is decided upon by default.

Looking back, both are things where you might think, “Why did I make that decision?” but in many cases, "busyness" is the cause.

Furthermore, when you are constantly busy, "getting things done quickly" takes precedence over "making the right judgments." If this state becomes a habit, the accuracy of your judgments will decline without you realizing it.

On the other hand, having space allows you to pause. Organizing information, questioning assumptions, and comparing multiple options. The quality of your decisions can change dramatically depending on whether you can go through these processes.

This difference is hard to see, but it definitely shows in the results.

White space is preparation for seizing an opportunity.

I generally leave about 20% of my schedule intentionally open.

This 20% is by no means “free time.” Rather, I believe it's the most valuable time. This is because having this "white space" allows me to maintain a state where I can "act immediately."

In the real estate business, good deals appear suddenly. Moreover, the better the deal, the less time you have to consider it. Whether you can act the moment information appears, that speed directly leads to results.

At that time, saying "I have a packed schedule today, so I'll check tomorrow" or "I'll look at it right now" makes a bigger difference than you might imagine.

In other words, this “readiness to act” also spreads to those around you. Quick responses, quick decisions, quick actions. When these impressions accumulate, people will think, "I'll go to this person first."

So, space isn't just about time; it's also an element that builds trust.

If your schedule is packed with busyness, you can't take this position. It's precisely because I intentionally leave room that opportunities tend to gather.

This isn't a matter of intuition; it's an area where clear differences emerge on the ground.

The value of when nothing happened in the margins

A frequent question here is, "What happens if nothing comes out of that downtime?"

Certainly, I think it's natural to feel that way. Since you've kept your schedule open, if nothing comes up, it might seem like a “waste.”

But in conclusion, I will use that time for “thinking time.”

When you're busy with daily tasks, the act of thinking itself gets put on the back burner. Even though this is where the most value lies, you end up spending your time on immediate tasks.

The presence of white space finally allows us to secure this "thinking time."

For example, let's take another look at the projects currently underway. Where do the risks lie in these investment decisions, and are there no other exit strategies? Or, are there no areas for improvement in my current sales methods?

These kinds of questions don't come up when you're pressed for time.

I ponder my thoughts in the margins, simulating scenarios repeatedly in my mind. Then, I delve deeper until I am satisfied internally. By repeating this process, my thinking becomes organized, and my judgment becomes more accurate.

I also often think about "what kind of content I should share next" and "what information would be valuable to the other person" at this time.

While it may look like nothing is happening at first glance, this time is actually the most important preparation.

White space exists for the “attack”.

When we talk about white space, it's often perceived as a defensive measure, but it's actually the opposite. White space is there to be “proactive.”

When a good opportunity arises, act quickly. Present proposals to investors without missing the timing. Lead negotiations on terms. These kinds of “go-getter” moves are possible precisely because there's room to spare.

Conversely, when there is no room to spare, you cannot attack even if you want to. While you are buried in your immediate tasks, opportunities will slip away.

In the short term, you might feel more productive with a packed schedule. However, in the long run, people who leave room in their schedules consistently achieve better results.

Judgement quality, speed, and reliability are all improved by white space.

Whitespace doesn't occur naturally. If left unattended, it will always fill up with plans. That's precisely why you must intentionally create it.

And, make that free time valuable.

Once you develop this sense, the results you can achieve will be significantly different, even with the same use of time.

If your schedule is always full right now, try leaving just 20% of it open. That white space will create your next move.