What to get the escapee from the 9 to 5, or future escapee.  It’s probably an academic question since it is Christmas morning.  I’m sure many of you are about to be opening a new IPad or a Kindle Fire.  Maybe a book by Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk or Brendan Burchard.  It’s just what you asked Santa for.  Now you just need to make space for it.

The Gift of Space

The irony is that space is in fact the gift that we as entrepreneurs most need.   We need space for our various creative endeavors to grow into.  Without space we are constantly faced with having to move things around or running into walls.  If you have ever transplanted plants, they get to a point where they can’t grow any more in their container and will die if left there.  Entrepreneurs are much the same way.  We need need space for our ideas to grow into.   In many ways, the gifts we are given are similar to the activities that make up our 9 to 5 lives.  They are determined by others and destined to take up your time.  Even with the best intention, that XBox 360, or copy of the Hangover 2 is time away from other things.  This is not intended to be a cynical view of Christmas presents.  Some of the best Christmas presents are made with popcycle sticks, crayons and finger paints.  These are true gifts because they are acts of creation and they enhance our world without being distractions.

If you want to give someone the ultimate gift for Christmas, or whatever holiday you are celebrating this season, give them the gift of space.  Get rid of the clutter and make room for art to happen.  Whether they are current or future Escapees from the 9 to 5, everyone needs space in their life to grow.