My business mission is to change the lives of professionals in a way that positively impacts their entire life. I choose this as my business mission simply because we spend so much time at work and struggling vs. thriving there impacts our lives in a big way. In my view, the single most overarching variable that determines how we feel about work is our relationship with time. Weak or even average command of time management, workflow and priorities will dilute the power and influence of even the smartest and most skilled in their field.

In the same way that weight loss essentially boils fundamentally to what we put into our mouths, time effectiveness boils down to what we say yes to and what we say no to. For this purpose, please take a look at my Say No Until It Feels Good Model, which is based on my theory that when we are overcommitted and resentful, we feel bad, and that overwhelm is an enemy to our productivity. The model is essentially built on behaviors that are backed by beliefs—what we believe governs our behavior even though we may not know it.

To continue on the food/weight loss analogy, improving nutrition and ultimately body weight is not as simple as going on a crash diet—at least not for lasting results. Similarly, making changes in your time habits is best done thoughtfully and with deep regard for your own mental wiring and habits—instead of just swinging dramatically from always saying yes to always saying no.

Take a look at the model and see which behavior matches your current state in the various aspects of your life. Now make a quick list of the things you are doing that you KNOW are not a good use of your time at work. Start small and try to be more conscious and at least hesitate before you say yes to the next meeting or commitment.

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.” Stephen Covey

TIME IQ QUIZ

Most professionals report feeling overwhelmed, stressed-out by competing priorities, and—at least occasionally—frazzled and unclear about the best direction to take on a project. Professional burnout is at an all-time high, causing people to feel exhausted, cynical, and ineffective both at home and work. But there is hope. If you are ready—take a deep breath and focus on you, your brain, and your Time IQ.

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