How do you decide where to invest your time?
What factors do you use? I have five tests and the power of number 5 surprised me.
I have had a really busy week which feels great, but upping the pace has been a bit of a shock to the system. I found myself wondering if it would be worth making the effort to attend an event I’d been looking forward to for several weeks.
The event was an off-site strategy team day with a great bunch of colleagues who bravely decided to do the session face-to-face. The venue was spacious, well-ventilated and there were Covid tests available and hand sanitiser a-plenty.
But I very nearly didn’t go. I had a lot of deadlines, some personal care commitments with my Dad, not to mention a golf match which took up a whole day. On balance I thought it would be a good use of my time and I could always do some work on the train. I booked my train ticket and was all set to go when the problems with the train stock were reported and I found myself making that a possible excuse not to go. I wanted to travel by train so I could arrive feeling fresh at the event. It would be very tiring to drive (5 hours round trip).
In the end, I decided to attend the event and it’s hard to describe how bizarre and uplifting it felt to be with people again. The feelings I had were heightened by the fact that I’d worked with this team for over a year and never met them.
When I was driving back home I was reflecting on what factors go into making a decision when you have choice and when you’re trying to prioritise what to do. Now that I’m self-employed I have the freedom to choose how I spend my time - so what made me opt to go to the event despite the long journey. I came up with five tests:
The “wind-the-clock forward” test: If I asked myself in a week’s time - do you wish you’d been at that event and the answer was yes - then I should go
The “what else do I have to complete this week” test: by taking a critical look at my goals for the week, could I fit in the event and still do everything I needed to do. If I could - then I should go
The “realistically what else would I be doing” test: If I had a burning priority and deadline that needed a full day of my attention then I should probably not go
The “I wish I was there test”: If I could imagine myself sitting at home on the day of the event wishing I was there and feeling regret that I was missing out - then I should go.
And last but not least - The ‘will I be appreciated when I get there test”: When I expressed my doubts about attending, several people also attending the event messaged me and offered help with lifts, encouraging me to come and being really grateful when I decided I would make the effort and drive.
Having come up with those tests, I realise that it’s important to step back and not let the excuse-finding-inner-voice of taking the easy option dominate.
Perhaps test number 5 had the most significant impact on me. It made me feel that I was appreciated and that my contribution would be valued. It made me feel that it wasn’t just about what I would get out of the event but it was also about what I could contribute. And on the day it gave me extra confidence to speak up and share my views. I felt a bit tired the next day, but the stimulation of seeing people and some really interesting and inspiring discussion about growing a business made me glad I’d made the effort
I’d love to know how you make decisions - when to make the effort and when to cut yourself some slack. As always, if you want to learn a bit more about how to get the best out of yourself and your team, do get in touch: [email protected]
