How to get organized: Point of “No Return”…

Oh no!

I’ve just looked at the time.

This is terrible!

I broke the rule.

Thinking of yesterday’s post commending focus as the key to success and profits, I really need to clarify a specific point.

You see, before starting any activity, it’s a wise move to consider a simple question:

How much is the result of this action worth to you – compared to what you have to “give up” to get it?

Essentially, every time you think “This isn’t worth the hassle”, you’ve done an ROI analysis (aren’t you smart!).

You know ROI as in Return On Investment.

But not as an accountant would teach it.

ROI where the main personal investments are YOUR Time, YOUR Energy, and yes… your money.

And where your returns can be specific desirable emotions, memories, experiences, etc… and yes… money.

Chances are you do this intuitively for most of your actions.

Or, you choose by default.

But, when you think you really, really want something… Or if the activity is part of a daily routine you practice without thinking… You’ll often have to take a step back to be truly honest answering the question.

And today, I broke my personal ROI rule. Here I am at 9:00 pm. Having spent most of the afternoon highly focused on getting a script to work for one of my websites.

Persistence is good, but considering the results I can reasonably expect from having this script up and running, I really shouldn’t have spent more than an hour on this.

Yes, being focused on one thing at a time is key to making progress.

But to be worthwhile, your focus must translate into real creation of value.

Tangible or intangible value. Either for you. Or for those you care for, your business, your clients. Good feelings, more customers, cash, etc…

Hence the term “productive focus” I used yesterday.

In other words, it’s critical to set a limit to the amount of Time, Energy, and Money you invest in getting something done.

Depending on the result you can objectively expect from doing it.

And more often than we care to admit, we must make the effort to consciously work out this point of no return.

I personally use a timer to force myself to stop when I’m about to spend too much time on something. Today I didn’t. (Not clever but hey, I learn every day!)

You can be highly focused on all sorts of activities. The movie on TV. Playing with the kids. Trying to fix your computer. Whatever…

Some of what you get out of these is invaluable.

But others… Well… Are they really worth so much of your time or energy (or money)?

Wishing you a wonderful, focused AND productive day!
Yann

12 Responses to “How to get organized: Point of “No Return”…”

1. JJ Jalopy says:

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   “How much is the result of this action worth to you – compared to what you have to “give up” to get it?”

   Thanks for the reminder, Yann.

   You can never ask this question too much!

   JJ Jalopy
   Life Coaching and Home Business Advice with JJ Jalopy
2. Rob Northrup says:

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   Hi Yann,

   I know what you mean. As one example, I used to spend time trying to decide whether to buy some item (a book, or an ebook, etc). Even if it was a $15 or $25 item… So, now if something is less than $50, I go with my first reaction… Yes or No.

   If I decide YES, I do it then with minimal effort, If I decide NO, I am done with it, and I move on *and delete the email if it is what I was responding to*

   Seize the Day,

   Rob
   Sales Eagles Soar Above the Competition!
   Personal Asset Protection For Small Business Owners
3. April Braswell says:

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   Hi Yann, what an EXCELLENT point for business success and life coaching.

   I learned the concept under the name from my first Economics class back in prep school in Princeton, NJ:

   Opportunity Cost

   Because, there is ALWAYS more to do that we could ever possibly DO.

   SO we must CHOOSE
   and we must PRIORITZE

   both for our businesses and our romantic dating lives. Too often we stumble into a relationship which is lovely but really not fulfilling, taking ourselves off the dating market prematurely, when what we need to do first is create short list of self-focused dating criteria.

   Then we CHOOSE much more wisely.

   You are superb, as ever.

   All the best,

   April Braswell

   Online Dating Sites Review, Internet Dating Sites Guide
4. Jennifer Battaglino says:

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   Great post in that this is something we are all capable of doing. At least I know I am where I spend way too much time on something.

   I like the idea of a timer and better planning.

   Jennifer
   The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fers, Phobias, and Anxiety
5. Pam Schulz says:

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   Great reminder Yann-
   How much is the result of this action worth to you – compared to what you have to “give up” to get it?

   Essentially, every time you think “This isn’t worth the hassle”, you’ve done an ROI analysis (aren’t you smart!).

   For me – it’s a good thing that this internet marketing course is worth it – as if it wasn’t I’d have given up long ago trying to slay all of the technology dragons I’ve experienced!

   Great post as usual!
   Pam
   http://www.greatwealth.com
6. Don Shepherd says:

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   Yann, i like how you used yourself as an example. Most people only want to use themselves if it glorifies their actions. great stuff to ponder.

   Don Shepherd
   oregon or bust
7. jc mackenzie says:

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   Well said, and a question I’ve started asking myself here of late. I’ve lost way too many hours idling, not really considering ROI.

   Thanks

   JC jc
8. mark mallen says:

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   Yann, great point about time. I bought a timer to limit the time I take to do certain tasks. mark

   Marketingscoops

   Glacier Ice Cream
9. Duane Cunningham says:

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   HI Yann,

   Awesome post! We only have 24 hours in a day they tell me, so how you use those hours best determines what your ROI will be depending on what your goals/ focus happens to be

   I remember learning that wealthy people have a different way of determining the value of their time early on…but you still have to keep a watch at the gate for the time bandits!

   Duane

   Learn Winning Persuasion
   Techniques that Work Like Magic by Tapping Into the Psychology of
   the Mind with Persuasion Expert Duane Cunningham!
10. Lynn Lane says:

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    Yann,
    Great idea on ROI. We all must be aware of the time we spend. Every moment has potential value.

    Lynn Lane
    http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
11. John Ho says:

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    Life is short, whether you believe in reincarnation or not.

    So to have a ROI rule to make decision does speed up resolution process.

    Personalites with a strong “5″ is pretty quick in decision makign whereas a strong “6″ or “3″ dives into introspection and details tha slow down decision making.

    Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion (WordPress)
    Understanding Personalities for Better Influence & Persuasion (Vox Blog)
12. Sonya Lenzo says:

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    Great idea about the timer,I thinkI will use it, there are some things I can just get “lost” doing….
    SunnyMarie
    Glamour and Glitz
    http://www.sunnymarie.wordpress.com