What is your have to?

Time is fleeting.  Where you spend it says a lot.

I just spent 3 days focused on filling my bucket at BIF10.  A little inspiration. A lot of conversation. Meeting new people who are interesting and who opened up my mind to more.  BIF10 cost me money and time, but it was my “have to” this week.

• Email suffered (sorry folks, I was getting refueled).
• I was disconnected from my usual daily suspects: family, neighbors, friends, colleagues (I missed you, but I am better for you because of stretching my mind, heart, and spirit).
• Things I “have to do” normally all were off the list for three days.  I intentionally chose a different “have to” this week.  And, I can feel myself growing.

I am struck by how much time people, particularly in business, spend in “have to’s” that dominate and drain their time and energy. I question the value of this time (if it is not balanced with refueling, inspiring “have to’s”).

• Meetings.
• The current business.
• The past.
• Positioning & Posturing for some audience.
• Email.
• Paperwork and administrative obligations.
• Powerpoint optimization.

Each of these things is not inherently wrong to do;  but if these are all the things you are spending your time on, I believe you might be squandering your time, legacy and impact.  And, therefore the future is not as bright. Don’t get me wrong, it is good to connect in person and to make decisions and advance a solution (meetings, which do something). It is good to know who you are presently and from where you have come. Considering your message so it can be heard is admirable. Communicating and responding to people is good. Some administration is required to keep the lights on and perhaps keep your business out of hot water. But don’t make these your only “have to’s”.

Consider broadening your list:

Listen to people’s stories. Share your stories.

Observe and pay attention to what is happening around you.

Be truly present for the people you care about and love.

Dream. 

Imagine the “what if”.

Be candid about your truth, even if it is difficult. Be respectful of another’s truth.

Try something new: stretch outside your comfort zone into your learning zone.

Give of yourself with no expectation of reciprocation.  Pay it forward.

Whatever is your refueling “have to”…

And when you do, fully engage so these “have to’s” really matter. BIF10 was a “have to” for me this week in which I fully engaged and refueled.  What is your “have to”?

Cindy

Take Action

Inventory last week or this week’s “have to’s”. Are you satisfied with your list?  Make one adjustment this coming week to replace a routine “have to” with a non-urgent “have to” and see how it feels. Iterate. Test. Iterate Test.