What's Guiding You Through Your Day?

I recently spoke at a corporate leader's retreat held at a remote mountain resort. A number of the participants arrived later than planned. The reason was similar for most of them-their GPS wasn't working correctly. Some gave reports of being on gravel roads that simply ended while others said their GPS unit lost signal and they couldn't determine which way to go next.

I had to chuckle because I think that's the same approach many people take to how they work through their day. They put their trust in a series of tasks (turns and road names), hoping that the completion of these tasks help them achieve their goals (arrive at their destination). Sometimes it works.... and sometimes it doesn't.

A more effective approach to planning and organizing our daily schedule can be found in how people planned travel prior to GPS units. They include:

• Getting out a map to identify the location of the destination. It's like identifying our goals and objectives for the day, and where we want to end up when the day is over.
• Making a physical list of all the road names and turns involved in the journey. Again, you're focusing on how these tasks and activities will lead you to a desired destination.
• Reviewing the map from time to time. Most people make a list for their day and then don't refer back to it until they have added other tasks (turns) that don't really connect with the desired destination.
• Talking with someone who knows directions to your destination. How often could we improve our efficiency if we sought the advice of others instead of just hoping we were engaging in the right tasks?

Don't get me wrong. GPS units are amazing devices, and I use one regularly. However, I have found that completely relying on them without using some of the strategies listed above can get you lost. The same is true when we don't take a more active role in planning (and traveling through) our day.

The Fallacy of Good Enough

One of my weekend projects was to finish a cabinet in my my basement. I took great effort in getting the best materials, lining up all the tools and giving myself PLENTY of extra time to complete the project. I rarely attempt anything of significance if I will be rushed or tempted to cut corners on quality.

As I was instaling the cabinet, I realized it was just not lining up correctly. Being tired and ready to stop, I reasoned that it would be "good enough" and that I would fix it correctly when I had more time in the future. Yes, I was violating my own principle.

The next day I started putting items in the cabinet but my mind was tethered to the fact that the cabinet was just not right. I chuckled as I thought about opening these doors for the next 15-20 years and being reminded of the improper construction that could have been corrected with just a couple additional hours of work. Knowing I needed to take a dose of my own medicine, I removed everything from the cabinet and corrected the problem. It took 2 hours and 15 minutes.

One of the most meaningful quotes I ever heard that guides my thinking today is, The pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces while the pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons. Those extra couple of hours getting the cabinet finished are miniscule when compared to 15-20 years of regret each time I would have used it.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a perfectionist. I have many things in my life that are not in great working condition or that lack excellence. The difference is I didn't invest a significant amount of time, energy or money to create them or they aren't something of critical importance to the well being of my family or myself.

The old saying of, "If it's good enough, if probably isn't" is so true in many ways. What are you saying is "good enough" that in all honesty needs improvement? Some potential places to look might include:

• Your job skills
• Your relationships with friends or family members
• Your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or even financial health
• Your plan for personal and/or professional growth

Most importantly, will you make the small investment of time to get it right-it all comes down to what you want weighing on your mind-ounces or pounds.

But Does It Make Sense?

One of my assignments while running errands yesterday was purchasing some boxes of macaroni and cheese. I began my journey through the "super" store, only to become frustrated. The mac and cheese was not on the aisle with the other pasta. I kept looking, thinking it was going to jump out at me any second, but nothing ever materialized. I searched for someone to ask, but found no one. Finally, after deciding that we didnt' need the high sodium dish anyway.... I found it. It was on the aisle with the boxed dinners. What a ridiculous place to put it. Macaroni and cheese is not a dinner-it's a side dish!

I chuckled because sometimes prioritizing my day works much the same way. I don't put tasks in a logical order, or at least organize them in a way that matches my physical or mental energy. Like running around the store looking for the mac and cheese, I spend way too much time trying to complete the task than if I would have scheduled it at a different time-and yes, even a different place.

The next time you are trying to plan a productive day, ask yourself if the order makes sense based on the current conditions and limitations. If not, take a moment to rethink your schedule and make the necessary adjustments.

Get Out Of The Roar

While taking the airport shuttle bus, I noticed something different... very different. It was quiet as the bus approached and there were none of the usual diesel fumes. As we departed for the terminal, I also noticed something else... it was quiet! The bus was a hybrid, currently running on battery power. What was also unusual was how people had to talk so low to not interrupt the rest of us. I also noticed every bump in the road and heard other cars passing by like never before. I actually enjoyed the short trip before the noise and hurry of security and boarding the flight. I had the right environment to think and plan.

Too often I think we allow ourselves to be caught up in the "roar" of life to really hear what our thoughts are telling us and to simply rest and reflect. It is in these moments that we can more clearly evaluate where things are going well and where their is room for improvement.

How will you "get out of the roar" today and more deeply reflect on how things are going for you? 

Change, Success and The Principles of Margaret-Part 2

In my last blog I told you about Margaret, one of my heroes. Currently, Margaret is struggling more with her MS and has had to take some time off from her work as a therapist. In an email from her husband a few weeks ago, he (without knowing it) revealed one of the success principles Margaret follows. He wrote: Margaret certainly takes advantage of feeling well. Other variations of her principle could be she strikes while the iron is hot, or she makes hay while the sun shines.

Too often I fear we waste those times of "feeling well" on less than important endeavors. We lose blocks of mental focus time because we are checking e mail or aimlessly chipping away at a convenient task. Meetings are spent on updates that could have been dispensed to the group electronically. Families forego their opportunities to grow together, and instead are content to "hang out" in the same house doing their own thing. And as Margaret so skillfully knows, those moments of opportunity can never be recovered in the future.

What do you need to be working on today if you "feel well" physically, emotionally, mentally or even financially? A better "harvest" awaits those who take advantage of feeling well.