What Would You Do If You Had More Time?
The holidays often shift our relationship with time. Many of us experience a season where professional expectations pause, and family expectations rise. Joy, connection, and even hardship coexist during this period. For those who do get a break, it’s fascinating how time feels different: calendars open up, meetings disappear, and flexibility becomes the norm.
Recently, I noticed this shift in a small but telling way. I received a note from a client asking to schedule a call while I was tied up with family commitments. I responded quickly, assuming the request was urgent. My wife asked, “Why do you have to respond right now?” That question made me pause. I asked the client if the call could wait. Their response was simple: “100%.” A reminder that urgency is often something we place on ourselves—and an invitation to notice how our relationship with time influences our leadership.
What if we applied that same lens of efficiency and intentionality to our business year-round? What would change if we managed time with the clarity we find during holidays—eliminating waste and focusing on what matters most?
Three Common Disruptors of Time:
1. Inputs: Requests from others that feel urgent to them but aren’t critical to your broader priorities.
2. Quality Challenges: Unexpected product or service issues that suddenly demand top priority.
3. New Ideas: Creative sparks that, if introduced too quickly, can derail current execution.
This Week’s Ripple Effect
Another reminder showed up for me at a restaurant on New Year’s Eve. The service was slower than usual, but the communication was steady and thoughtful.
A seasoned waitress kept us informed throughout the evening and proactively said, “It’s only 9:00 pm, so what’s the rush?”
Clear communication reframed expectations and reduced stress. Time felt less pressured simply because it was acknowledged.
Call to Action:
As leaders, we can set a different tone for the new year by addressing these disruptors and asking ourselves:
What would I do if I had more time?
How can I protect the time I already have?
What habits from holiday flexibility can I bring into my everyday rhythm?
Question:
What other areas impact your time and how will you reclaim control in the year ahead?
Use the either link below to submit your answer!
