We frequently compare features and pricing on products, trying to determine if we are getting a good deal. In fact, people often brag about how they were able to get the best price or best quality on an item they purchased. No one wants to feel like they have overpaid for an item, or not gotten what they thought they were buying.
Unfortunately, many of us do the exact opposite with time. This is especially true coming into summer months when our minds turn to weekend activities and vacations. Some may feel that they have worked hard all year and so they are going to coast during the summer. Team members sometimes remark that everyone is on vacation and so they believe they don’t need to work as hard at servicing people. The list of things that we believe are optional during the summer months goes on, and unfortunately, we miss opportunities as a result.
Certainly, we want to have good work/life balance but that should be happening year-round. In fact, you must provide yourself with times of rest and renewal if you are going to be effective. However, the question is whether you are spending your time or investing it in the best and most important activities. Spending your time means it may be fun for a moment, but it does not provide an increased return for future benefit.
Investing our money or time means that we will gain a return on our efforts. In effect, we are multiplying the resources that we have at our disposal. For example, creating a financial budget allows you to stay focused on what is truly important and invest your money for long term gain.
Likewise, with our time, we need to stay focused on priorities and invest in activities which will bring long term benefits. When we make phone calls to strategic partners, or set aside time to plan, we are laying the foundation for opportunities that might not have arisen yet. Choosing the best use of our time will yield great results and propel us forward. Discerning the best use of time is imperative for leaders who are responsible for many initiatives, and so we need to choose wisely.
What priorities would most impact your work and life? Begin scheduling those activities first before all the distractions come along. By doing so, you will find that your opportunities for growth will multiply.
