Sanity Notes #018: Protect your most valuable resource: time

Looking for some support? If now is the time to consider coaching (or a CEO peer circle) reach out here.

Something is happening in my 40s that I would never have understood in my 20s. I have a visceral sense of the value of time.

My kids are 11 and 2. They will only be young this once.

My wife and I will only be in this beautiful albeit busy phase of life once.

Even in coaching work, I find myself valuing each conversation as a finite and fleeting moment in time.

If I could give one gift to each of my clients and the other founders I meet, it would be to understand the value of their time sooner.

Time at work

Most leaders make the same mistake I did. They jealously protect their other resources: their cash, their position in the market, and their social media presence. But they freely give away their most valuable asset: their time.

This may be just the right time to take careful account of your schedule. To what are you giving your time and attention?

In your work and that of your team, time is your most critical asset. Guard it carefully through:

• Clear and thoughtfully set goals (with clear measurables)
• Precise accountabilities for each team member, including you (what should they be doing and what should they be not doing)
• Clear lines between work time and non-work time
• High-focus work environments (enough with endless meetings and interruptions)

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your company on the list above? What might you change to bring it to a 10?

Time in life

No matter how much money you make, you will never be able to buy back time.

Put your time in at work. Hone your craft. Attack your main three objectives each week (be sure to set some!) And then set work aside. Decide with purpose how and with whom you want to spend your time outside of work. Then act accordingly.

What feeds you?

What helps you feel alive?

Who helps you feel seen, heard, and loved?

Spend time on these things.

Are you experiencing burnout, fatigue, or loss of passion for your work? Look at how you are spending your time outside work. Look at how much time you give yourself (or not) outside the office.

Rest, space, open time: these things are as crucial to the success of your craft as moments in front of your laptop. Maybe more so.

With time, all things are possible. Without it, we have nothing.

I appreciate that you are here. If you were forwarded this email and it resonates, you can subscribe here.

Wishing you the gift today of a thoughtfully reset schedule, clear priorities, and a life outside the office lived with care and attention.

If I can be helpful in any way, please reach out!

Matt

Looking for some support? If now is the time to consider coaching (or a CEO peer circle) reach out here.