When Google first revealed that its staff is free to use 20% of their work hours on projects they are passionate about, many people in the business world rushed to dismiss this approach as elitist and impractical for small-size, lower-budget companies. But then, passion is a key factor when it comes to innovation and creativity. So is Google right after all?

That’s something that only the Google finance department can answer right now, but as more people adopt this approach, we’re finding that the main issue is actually something entirely different. Using 20% of your time in a creative and manner can help your personal growth, whether that’s done as part of your work schedule or outside your professional time.  Investing 20% of your week on side projects that interest you will probably seem like quite a lot of time that not many people can afford these days. In fact, setting aside the time for 8 hours of sleep a day, that 20% amounts to just over 22 hours a week – that’s the equivalent of a part-time job! But just imagine the possibilities of that time in terms of personal development. Chasing after your passions and dreams equals fulfillment.

20% Time and Personal Development

Although people have always found the time to pursue their passions, seeking new knowledge and mastering new skills, Google’s 20% time puts it all in perspective.

Using between 2 and 4 hours each day to exercise, read, socialize, and pursue your interests and goals is a respectable amount of time that can yield outstanding results  — if done diligently and strategically. So what can you do with 20% of your weekly time, then?

• Redefine your life goals and create a goal-achieving plan.

• Read, read and then read some more. Read everything there is to learn about what you’re passionate about, whether that’s the language of bees or how to build wearable technology.

• Channel that built-up creativity into a brainstorming session. Use your imagination to think of innovative approaches and applications of existing knowledge and infrastructure.

• Start building your dreams, and giving them form!

20% Time and Corporate Progress

Without a doubt, channeling the creativity, imagination, and innovative thinking of staff in building a stronger, forward-looking company is what CEOs want, yet only a handful corporations can achieve it. And even those who implement it need to put constraints on these side projects to ensure this model does yield quantifiable results that can reinforce a company’s progress.

While practical issues need to be considered like fatigue, financial resources, time constraints, and other limitations, it’s not impossible to use the 20% time to follow and realize your goals, no matter your business.

Humans are thirsty for knowledge. We strive for understanding and the ability to utilize what’s around us to make our lives purposeful and fulfilling. Instead of wasting your free time watching TV, use it constructively.

Learn a new language, hone a long-forgotten skill, teach someone else what you know. Our creativity and innovative thinking are boundless, and the more we use them the more we create, providing an ever-renewing resource for ourselves and others. So don’t be scared to dare! Good luck!

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