The most important decision leaders make every day is what to prioritize. Getting the day’s priorities right sets the stage for a successful day. Of course, emergencies and brush fires arise, requiring leaders to reprioritize. However, what is most important resurfaces quickly and takes precedence. Great leaders know that if they get the priorities right, everything else will fall into place.
James Clear has a great reflective question from Atomic Habits - what am I optimizing for? I use this to plan for the week, especially in having the responsibilities of young children and work/life harmony to consider alongside leading a company. It took me longer than I care to admit to realize how important prioritization was in finding a way to show up as a father, husband, and leader; I thought I could multi-task my way to doing everything and was failing miserably. Your bottom line should absolutely be bolded - doing more by focusing on less is the fundamental (and counterintuitive) truth we as leaders must accept.
Some good points! I have read Atomic Habits a couple of times. I like the one percent better a day strategy. Have you read THE POWER OF HABIT by Charles Duhigg?
Oct 9, 2023·edited Oct 9, 2023Liked by Admired Leadership
Steve,
Great point. I found the Cue-Routine-Reward model useful. The book is packed with well researched and applicable marketing techniques. For example, the way that Hey Ya by Outcast was promoted to a hit (having stations ordered to sandwich it between already established favorites/hits). Duhigg's background is in journalism. I tend to like/appreciate the depth and accuracy journalists (real ones) deliver. Other authors I have enjoyed are: David Gelles (THE MAN WHO BROKE CAPITALISM) and Bryce Hoffman (AMERICAN ICON).
I have not read Duhigg, so I’m really interested in this response as well. I’ve likely made the wrong assumption that because I’ve read Atomic Habit that pretty much sums up the topic. Would love to hear if there are unique threads.
Ironically, I have been dealing with setting mine. My top three are: my health, my relationship, and my education. As I continue with this cross training program (at work); I realize the time commitment, lack of consistency in days off and shifts scheduled will only increase. I refuse to let this ruin my relationship and/or the completion of a degree. Therefore, I am working on an action plan with my manager, and formulating a contingency plan (for myself).
James Clear has a great reflective question from Atomic Habits - what am I optimizing for? I use this to plan for the week, especially in having the responsibilities of young children and work/life harmony to consider alongside leading a company. It took me longer than I care to admit to realize how important prioritization was in finding a way to show up as a father, husband, and leader; I thought I could multi-task my way to doing everything and was failing miserably. Your bottom line should absolutely be bolded - doing more by focusing on less is the fundamental (and counterintuitive) truth we as leaders must accept.
That optimization question does a good job of accounting for the whole persons life much better than the work-life balance metaphor does.
"Calibration" does similar helpful things.
Thanks for your comment this morning, Josh.
Good morning Josh,
Some good points! I have read Atomic Habits a couple of times. I like the one percent better a day strategy. Have you read THE POWER OF HABIT by Charles Duhigg?
Thank you for your time.
Is there something that stands out about Duhigg that made that book especially impactful for you, Joe?
People seem to cite Atomic Habits so often these days that these previous authors don't get the foundational credit they might deserve.
Steve,
Great point. I found the Cue-Routine-Reward model useful. The book is packed with well researched and applicable marketing techniques. For example, the way that Hey Ya by Outcast was promoted to a hit (having stations ordered to sandwich it between already established favorites/hits). Duhigg's background is in journalism. I tend to like/appreciate the depth and accuracy journalists (real ones) deliver. Other authors I have enjoyed are: David Gelles (THE MAN WHO BROKE CAPITALISM) and Bryce Hoffman (AMERICAN ICON).
Thank you for your time.
I have not read Duhigg, so I’m really interested in this response as well. I’ve likely made the wrong assumption that because I’ve read Atomic Habit that pretty much sums up the topic. Would love to hear if there are unique threads.
Some valuable insight/s to begin our day.
Thanks for that.
Ironically, I have been dealing with setting mine. My top three are: my health, my relationship, and my education. As I continue with this cross training program (at work); I realize the time commitment, lack of consistency in days off and shifts scheduled will only increase. I refuse to let this ruin my relationship and/or the completion of a degree. Therefore, I am working on an action plan with my manager, and formulating a contingency plan (for myself).
Thanks for your time.
How has that communication gone for you so far Joe? Your manager open to see you making adjustments?