Why Does Leaving Space Open Give Anthony Eden Optionality to Follow a New Idea at Work or at Home?

Anthony Eden says optionality means you prepare and you open up so you are ready. If you do too much to fill all of your time, you have no optionality. You get optionality by leaving space open so you can explore something else, whether inside the business or outside the business, at work, at home, or in hobbies.

The idea landed when he read a book and realized he likes optionality. He says you have to leave moments for inspiration to come and go, then follow an idea and see what happens. You only do that if you actually plan for the open time, or if you get really lucky.

The open time is the plan. Leaving the space is how he stays ready for a direction in the business, at home, or in a hobby, instead of filling all of the time until nothing new can start.