Our Relationship With Time

"I wish I had more control over how I spend my time."

I hear this A LOT from leaders.

The busy executive creating the vision and implementing strategy; motivating an entire organization.

Ultimately responsible for P&L, and of fortunes won or lost.

And someone else determines how and where they invest their time.

It feels a lot like a buffet sometimes.

There's so much in front of you, except you aren't picking what you eat, or where it goes on your plate.

Someone else is.

It's not that they're insensitive to the demands on your time (or the plate you're working with) but they have their projects, goals, and deadlines.

And they need you.

When your plate is full, you get a bigger plate, or you get another until you can't possibly accommodate everyone who needs some space.

But don't worry, what you can't get to today becomes an item on tomorrow's menu.

And the cycle continues.

Eventually, you feel helpless, or guilty, or angry because your decisions hold impact (for others and yourself) and you just don't have enough time to give to all who ask.

You're triple stacked, and you're losing energy FAST!

You've got a bit of a food (time) coma going on.

...

Life can feel a little out of control at times, but we do have choices.

You may not be able to make more time, but you can make empowered decisions about how you spend it.

We CAN become more aware of how we choose to spend our time. Awareness is a key ingredient in our success, wherever we choose to apply ourselves in life.

We CAN be more intentional in how we apply ourselves in the time we're given. When we do, it contributes to being more effective in it, and we feel a greater sense of inner control.

We may have a lot on our plate, but we can choose where our fork goes.

Focus on the activities that contribute to your guiding vision and strategy, and those that nourish your personal and professional goals.

Enjoy a fine dining experience.