When I watch sport, I think of Excel shortcuts. When I am on a long walk, I think of circular references.
August is often holiday time and therefore an excellent opportunity to solve financial modelling problems. I’m not recommending that financial modellers bring their computers with them to the beach. But switch off your phone, leave your computer at the office and allow your mind to wander and mull over tricky issues.
According to clinical psychologist, Linda Blair, “there is evidence that boredom leads to more productive thinking, both when it comes to generating creative possibilities (divergent thinking) and when we need to find logical solutions to problems (convergent thinking).” Financial modelling requires both these skills, but financial modellers rarely have the time to be bored.
Use a holiday to relax, sleep, walk and think. Perhaps that tricky circular reference you have been wrestling with may solve itself.
“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk…. I have walked myself into my best thoughts.”
Søren Kierkegaard