Monthly 10 Minute Challenge - August 2015

This month's 10 Minute Challenge just may change the way you approach your job and your life.

I regularly hear the the word's "I didn't have time" used by my coworkers. Several years ago, I vowed to remove that phrase from my vocabulary, and so I did. After that, each time I hear those words I cringe a little. What I'm really hearing is someone lie to themselves and those around them.

That unfortunate phrase has become the most common response when an action goes undone or progress is not what is expected. It's like a Get Out of Jail Free card. The magic phrase is used, people nod their head understandingly and then move on. Not only is it not the truth, but it slowly creates an environment where lack of accountability is acceptable.

As a leader, you are accountable for your actions.

Let's be honest

Be honest with yourself.

You have 24 hours in each day. That's 1440 minutes, which is exactly the same number of minutes everyone has.

Picture the most productive person you know. Now picture the least productive slacker you know. Guess what? Both of them have exactly the same number of minutes each day you do.

When you say "I didn't have time" what you are really saying is "I didn't prioritize that". Perhaps you prioritized sleep, or a different high priority task, or watching Game of Thrones, or socializing with family or friends. Whatever the situation, you made a conscious decision to do one thing instead of another.

Your challenge

All you have to do this month is to simply stop saying "I didn't have time". Banish that phrase completely from your vocabulary. It's a falsehood to hide behind and you don't need it.

Instead, be honest with yourself and your team. Admit "I didn't prioritize it" and accept whatever comes next.

Why is this important?

It seems like a small change, but it forces you to acknowledge your decisions when you make them, because you know you will be honest when the due dates come and certain things aren't completed.
As a leader, your actions influence the actions of others in your organization. This month you can start building a culture of accountability, simply by refusing to hide behind a "lack of time" excuse.

Take care, and I'll talk to you next time.

Question: What other damaging phrases do you hear people say that you would like to stop saying? Let us know in the comment section below.

Stop Lying to Yourself, We All Have the Same Amount of Time

Monthly 10 Minute Challenge - August 2015

Let's be honest

Your challenge

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