Don’t Play Politics with Time
I was listening to a couple of political pundits (we have recently wrapped up election season here in the United States) talk about candidates and their policies. Politicians promise a lot, but what they deliver is either very different or does not happen at all. People put a lot of weight into a candidate’s policies when they make a choice, but then often find the outcomes much different than what was anticipated.
Before you give me an “amen” and high-five, we all do it. We create a solution for something, expecting a particular outcome that often ends up being much different than what was first planned. Frequently, it negatively impacts our use of time, and sometimes the use of others’ time. Therefore, let’s review steps you can take to keep yourself from over promising and underdelivering.
We’ll cover ways to keep you from looking like a politician because the emphasis will be how you compare outcome and solution based focused and what impact that can have on your time.
Listen to the article:
Defining the Problem vs. Jumping to Solutions
Only 38 percent of those who have taken the Time Management Analysis (TMA) strongly agree that they plan ahead. Almost two-thirds prefer to jump into finding a solution without understanding the full nature of the problem. Is this you?
Outcome-focused: Spend time trying to clearly define the problem or challenge that needs to be addressed.
Solution-focused: Quickly brainstorm possible solutions without fully understanding the root issue.
Impact on time: The Outcome-focused approach takes more upfront time but can lead to more effective, long-lasting solutions. Solution-focused approach is faster initially but may result in rework or suboptimal outcomes.
Prioritizing Task Completion vs. Focusing on Impact
Just over one-third of respondents when answering the TMA scenario “I prioritize my tasks daily”, reply that they strongly agree. Another case of people moving too quickly into impact and not order. Sound familiar?
Outcome-focused: Evaluate tasks based on their importance and contribution to high-level goals.
Solution-focused: Tend to prioritize tasks that are easiest or most convenient to complete.
Impact on time: Outcome-focused approach may involve more upfront effort but leads to better use of time by addressing the most impactful issues. Solution-focused approach can result in a false sense of productivity without meaningful progress.
Reflecting on Ideas vs. Choosing the First Viable Option
The idea of starting something and then finishing what you start is a challenge for many. Again, right around 35 percent strongly agree that they finish what they start on the TMA.
Outcome-focused: Explore multiple alternatives, gather feedback, and refine ideas before implementation.
Solution-focused: Select the first solution that seems workable and move forward, potentially missing better options.
Impact on time: Outcome-focused approach takes more time initially but can lead to superior long-term solutions. Solution-focused approach is faster in the short term but may require more rework and iterations down the line.
Three Ways to Focus on Better Time Solutions and Outcomes
Measuring Success by Outcomes vs. Outputs
When it comes to the TMA, only 3 in 10 strongly agree that they consider themselves organized. That will influence how you choose to approach a task or project, and what ultimately looks like success. Maybe this is you?
Outcome-focused: Evaluate progress based on the achievement of desired end results or impacts.
Solution-focused: Gauge success by the completion of tasks or deliverables, regardless of their actual contribution.
Impact on time: Outcome-focused approach encourages efficient use of time by focusing on what truly matters. Solution-focused approach can lead to wasted effort on low-impact activities.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances vs. Sticking to the Plan
Of those who have received a TMA assessment, 45 percent strongly agree that they complete assignments or projects on time. While not everything needs to be done on time, all the time, without adapting to circumstances you will negatively sway your use of time. Does this resonate?
Outcome-focused: Continuously monitor progress and adjust course as needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Solution-focused: Rigidly adhere to the initial plan, even when circumstances change and the original solution no longer aligns with the desired outcome.
Impact on time: Outcome-focused approach requires flexibility and adaptability, which may involve more time in the short term but leads to better use of time in the long run. Solution-focused approach can result in wasted time on ineffective efforts.
Don’t Politicize the Process
As you can see, there can be benefits to outcome or solutions-based focus. Whichever you choose to use, don’t fall into the trap of a politician. It’s not about stating a plan and then not following it. It’s not about ranking what is important and then ignoring it. It’s not about jumping at the first thing you see or reflecting yourself into paralysis. It’s not about ignoring outcomes. It’s not about being so rigid that you don’t want to consider changing.
It’s your time, own it, along with the results.
David Buck is the author of the book The Time-Optimized Life, coauthor of The Retirement Collective, and owner of Kairos (Time) Management Solutions, LLC. Learn how to apply the concepts of proactively planning and using your time. Take the Time Management Analysis (TMA), the Retirement Time Analysis (RTA), or all the other free resources offered to help bring more quality time into your life.
The post Don’t Play Politics with Time first appeared on Infinity Lifestyle Design.
