Over time, the phrase “pick my battles” made more and more sense to me. I went from thinking where all the battles were important to the ones that really mattered. I have established 5 criteria in order to put my energy and my time where it really counts.
I am a person who has a lot of ideas or projects, personal and professional. I like it when things move, I like to innovate, refine, update, create. So, to make sure I maintain my balance and make the best choices for me, I established these criteria. They help me on a daily basis.
You know when we say that 20% of tasks create 80% of results? This is what these criteria allow me to do and I come out satisfied and balanced.
Here are my 5 criteria to put my energy and my time where it counts
So here’s how I prioritize the projects and ideas I have in order to preserve my balance, generate satisfaction and move towards my goals.
How do these criteria work? In fact, I put my idea on a sheet of paper, and I make five columns. I put the information corresponding to the criteria in each of the columns and then I reread everything to have a global perspective and make an informed decision.
Sometimes I put an idea back in time, eliminate it in the short term or prioritize current projects so that it “fits” into my time management.
Criterion #1: Alignment
Alignment allows me to put my energy and my time where it matters because I check if the idea or project is aligned with my ultimate goals, my vision if you will.
Then, when this is the case, I also validate the alignment with my annual objectives.
If you realize that your goals are unclear or you don’t have annual goals, this is a key step. See how to establish them in these two articles: delivering your vision and how to lead to put it into action.
Criterion #2: The context
Context refers to your internal and external environment.
First, what is happening in your internal environment? What do you notice in terms of changes and uncertainties? When you look at the dynamics of culture, human resources, production, finance, what happens?
Then, the same thing is to be done for your external context. What’s happening in the market?
This reflection will serve to notice what’s going on in your context to help you decide whether or not it’s the right time for this project or idea. Maybe yes, maybe another project would be more relevant?
Criterion #3: Opportunity
By observing the context and getting used to it, you will more easily seize opportunities. There are “good timings” in life. That is to say, moments when it’s really time to go.
Our intuition is usually a great help in seizing opportunities! So, do you feel like it’s the right time for that idea or project to put your time and energy into it?
Criterion #4: Reality
At this point, you probably have a better idea of the reality of the context and the opportunity. That said, what does YOUR reality look like?
Do you have the human, financial or time resources to embark on this idea or project?
Ignore reality wouldn’t be to put your time and energy where it really counts. We must avoid denial, make wise choices, as intelligent as they are inspiring. That’s the challenge!
Obviously, if I were your coach, I would ask you what you need to install in your reality so that it is more favorable to this project and this idea 😉
Criterion #5: Accuracy
This fifth criterion is not the least! It’s about answering the following question in order to give yourself the chance to do as many projects and ideas as possible, as long as they’re aligned, but doing just enough.
The question: what are the important elements to do, which make the project work when it is launched?
What it means is to avoid perfection, and to focus on added value. Once your project is launched, and the market responds to it, you will complete what needs to be completed. You will adjust.
In computer science, for example, you can launch software without having ALL the options. There are the basic options that are necessary and they should be prioritized.
To end on this criterion, accuracy is the choice to prioritize tasks or features that meet the main objective, not to be perfect and complete.
In conclusion
What allows me to develop so many projects and ideas is the combination of these criteria and that allows me to put my energy and my time where it really counts. I consciously choose my projects and ideas and make room for them in my agenda.
If you want tools to better manage your energy and time, click here to see the self-study on the subject, you might like it!