Walk-Ins Welcome

How interruptible are you?

When someone—or something—steps into your day unexpectedly, how do you respond?

And if we asked your spouse or your kids, how would they describe the experience of walking into your world when you’re focused on work, a show, or your own projects?

Quick disclaimer: this isn’t about guilt. Set that aside.

I already know you’re a focused person. You get things done. We’re cut from the same cloth—achievement-oriented, driven, wired to pursue goals. Some of us enjoy the spotlight; others prefer a quieter lane. But we all share that forward-leaning energy.

So back to interruptions.

How do we come across when the “interruption” is actually a person?

There’s a word that’s fallen out of everyday use—maybe because it slows down high-output people like us—but it has the power to reorient us toward the life we actually want.

Winsome.

When’s the last time you described someone that way? Or imagined someone using it to describe you?

Winsome: cheerful, joyful—almost childlike.

We can fake it for a while, but we know the truth. Smiling on the outside while simmering on the inside turns both work and life into a grind.

Again—no guilt. Focus on what you want, not what you fear you’re doing wrong.

Try blocking out a small pocket of intentionally winsome time today. Just a few minutes where your goal is simple: be present, be joyful, be open—like a kid—with another person. And tell them you’ve made that time available.

At work, it might sound like:

• “Hey Bob, I’ve got 15 minutes between appointments—want to grab a quick coffee?”
  
  

• “Hey Carol, I’m not rushing out tonight and wanted to hear how your mom’s doing. Do you have a few minutes?”
  
  

At home:

• “Hey buddy—after I finish mowing the grass, want to play Legos?”
  
  

You get the idea.

With customers, we intentionally create margin so they feel welcome. We’re open for business people. But the people we love most can quietly start to feel like interruptions.

That’s not a character flaw. It’s a blind spot—and it’s fixable.

Schedule winsome time with the people you care about and the people you work with. You’ll change, and they’ll notice. They’ll feel the difference. They’ll know you made time for them.

Work this way, my friends. It won’t cost you productivity—it will earn you a reputation that’s both endearing and powerful.

Be winsome.
You’ll win even more.

Peace,

Craig

craig@r12coaching.com