Chapter 2 - At what cost success?

In a fast, busy world, you pay a high price for confusing success with constant adrenaline, endless activity, all work, no rest, and no play. Avoid working long hours to meet deadlines, learn how to manage your time, and avoid falling into an activity trap.

Managing your time

One of the biggest traps to fall into today is the "busy culture". The major problem with this culture is that the habit of "busy-ness" eclipses real business: it gives rise to a "start early, finish late" work ethic that confuses constant effort with real effectiveness. Avoid keeping busy out of a sense of habit, duty, or guilt - these factors all reduce effectiveness, morale, and motivation. Think about how you could be less busy and more effective. How could you work smarter, but not harder?

Managing urgency

If you are always busy, you may not have the time to prioritize effectively. You may waste time on urgent tasks rather than concentrating on what is important. An urgent task is something that requires immediate attention. Importance, on the other hand, has to do with the big picture, core values, and your purpose. Have the courage to put priorities first, even when you are under pressure, so that you build success in the long-term.

Prioritizing time

Living too fast

Many results today are measured in terms of speed. However, although speed is important for factors such as strategy or service, it must not override everything. Speed of delivery, for example, must be balanced with quality of work, and an upgrade to faster technology must be led by vision and not just for the sake of change itself. Although you may enjoy living life in the fast lane, realize that there are costs in terms of your health and well-being. Remember that relationships can deteriorate if they are not given time and attention.

Recognizing burnout People suffering from burnout often have identifiable characteristics, such as chronic fatigue, a short fuse, impaired vision, poor productivity, and low self-esteem. Sufferers may withdraw from family and friends, or seek escape through alcoholism, absenteeism, or illness.

The activity trap

Constant activity is a trap that erodes effectiveness at work and in life. Temper your drive to be active with moments of reflection so that you can achieve a sense of accomplishment. All too often, in an effort to achieve a result, we damage a relationship, neglect what's important, and cause unnecessary distress. Always clarify your priorities before taking action.

Avoiding "workaholism"

Workaholism is an escape from life through work. It is a compulsive behavior that can damage effectiveness, estrange families, and impair health. A workaholic will ensure that they always have access to work. Often confused as a sign of dedication, this leads to imbalance and burnout. Be alert to symptoms of overload and focus on balancing your work and life.