Get A Timer

In our Juggling Elephants training program we have a section where we work through "bad acts" that have crept into our lineup. Things that inhibit our ability to get more important things done. In recent weeks I have increasingly heard the act of "Facebook" or "MySpace" shared as one such act. Of course we clarify the bad act as "too much time on Facebook or MySpace" because in and of themselves, these sites are not bad. How we use them determines their impact (positively or negatively) on our lives.

The classic line most people give in a training session is, "I had a couple minutes so I went to my page and then found myself still sitting there an hour later. Time just flew by." It is so easy to do.

If you're trying to limit your time with social media, web surfing or other activity, consider getting a timer. I have an inexpensive digital one that I keep on my office desk and also one in my home. Set the time you are allowing yourself to have for an activity and then you have a steady reminder that your time is dwindling. You will also find that you prioritize what you want to get done (or do) because you have limited time resources. And the shrill "beep beep" will be enough to remind you that it's time to go to the next act in your lineup. Yes, you have to have the discipline to pull yourself away from the activity-you're the ringmaster of your circus.

I also use it for conference calls, working on projects or anytime I need to manage the time I spend on any task.

Just Do Something!!!

In a recent conversation I heard what I hear so often: "I just have so much e mail. If someone could help me with managing my e mail-that would be helpful." I offered a couple of suggestions and they replied, "Yes, but you have to change the settings on your e mail account." I offered a couple more thoughts and again their reply was, "That would help a little bit, but I just have so much." I then changed the subject, not wanting to offend the individual for their lack of desire to do something.

Inaction because a solution won't solve the "whole problem" keeps us suffering with the same issues. Rarely does an idea come along that completely takes care of a nagging problem or issue (sliced bread may be an exception). In taking action, however, we are at least moving in the right direction. If we want an hour to focus on a new project, but delegation only gets us 15 minutes-that's 15 minutes we did not have before. A quote by Sydney Smith comes to mind:

The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can.

The Difference

USA Today had a series recently on "Sports and Academics." It was quite thorough and included thoughts and perspectives from athletes, coaches and college leaders. One day they highlighted the thoughts of two athletes about their college experience. Read their words and see if you notice a difference:

Chinyere "Chi Chi" Okpaleke
When I received my diploma, I realized it was all worth it. I thank God every day I took the road less traveled, stayed true to my heart and stuck with it. (Entire Article)

Steven Cline
Now I look back and say, 'Well, what did I really go to college for? Crap classes you won't use the rest of your life?' Social science is nothing specific. I majored in football.(Entire Article)

The difference, in Juggling Elephants terms, was that one stayed true to their purpose while the other was distracted by the purpose of others. If you read both articles you will see that both faced difficult challenges. When the time came to make choices, however, one chose an answer that was contrary to their purpose, but more immediately gratifying or convenient. The other made a choice that required more sacrifice now, but with outcomes that would be worth it in the future.

I wish I could say that I could most readily identify with Okpaleke, but I am more likely to be like Cline. I make choices that give me instant gratification or avoid some difficult obstacle, but leave me looking back with regret. Not just over the course of four years, but even in how I spend a day or an hour of my time. The result is the same.

What choices do you need to make today? And what choice would one day have you look back with gratitude and peace instead of pain and disappointment? An old quote comes to mind:

The pain of discipline and commitment is measured in ounces.

The pain of disappointment and regret is measured in tons.

Work On Improving One Act

There was an illuminating article in the NY Times on April 2nd entitled Tighten Your Belt, Strengthen Your Mind. It looks at the results from a research study on the use of willpower. In short, the study found that willpower is not unlimited. Use it in one area and your willpower is depleted when you choose to use it for another task requiring restraint.

Based on the study, their recommendations included using your willpower on one key area at a time, and once you achieve success with restraint in that area, work on another area.

What about your circus? Where is willpower needed to add, change or delete an act in your lineup? If you're trying to change too much at one time, you may feel like you're juggling elephants again. Read the article for more great insights into willpower.