Spring has officially arrived, but it may take some time to shake off the habits I embraced this winter. I have loved working remotely and in seclusion, and while in many ways I was more efficient and productive, I have a sense I lost something fundamental. More on that later.

Here are the five lessons I learned this week.

1. “Much learning does not teach understanding.” Lao Tzu

2. “We cannot solve today’s problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” Keith Merron

3. Stop grinding and take a walk!

4. Looking at the BIG picture is crucial. “Kritik” is a German word used in strategy and means stepping back to look at the whole picture and how changing this affects that.

5. Open the windows and let the breeze blow through.