balance, effectiveness, income, results, results time, success, time management
As children, we learn about time in a chronological manner i.e. one second follows another and each second is equal. This is useful in many areas of life. The problem is that chronologically is not the most effective way to live your life. Life is all about the experiences we gain and the true value of a moment lies in how we spend that moment. Therefore, each moment is not actually equal. This concept of time is known as kairos – quality time.
Quality time can be divided in to 5 categories – results time, preparation time, growth time, fun time and rest time. To get the best experience from life we need to balance the different categories appropriately. Over the next few weeks, I will cover each of these categories. Today, I will focus on results time.
What is results time?
Results time refers to the time when you need to
produce the very best results. This is the time where you conduct the work that gets you paid. In my line of work, a stress and performance coach, results time is the time when I am coaching, training, delivering seminars or talks i.e. working directly with clients. It is where my reputation is won or lost. If I fail to perform at this time, I am unlikely to win repeat work or recommendations from the client.
Results time is extremely important for any business. Failure to deliver means a drop in income and failure to generate enough income leads to the death of the business. One might think that the ideal approach is to fill your day up with results time; back to back client work each and every day. This would be a very unwise approach and would have a number of drawbacks due to the lack of balanced time management.
Excessive focus on results time may lead to:
- Insufficient time to prepare leading to a reduction in performance levels.
- Failure to gain new knowledge and learn new skills thus stagnating and limiting potential.
- A less fulfilled and enjoyable life due to lack of time for fun and leisure pursuits.
- Failure to recover sufficiently, mentally and physically, from demanding tasks. This leads to chronic fatigue and lower performance levels in the long term.
For more great productivity tips, check out
The Organised Mind.
Results time pays the bills. The goal in business must be to maximise results time. Doing so brings big results and big rewards which is the main reason we go into business. However, overdoing it can lead to long-term problems including stress, poor performance, reduced quality and ultimately less pleasure from life. Results time is essential but it cannot be successful without preparation, growth, renewal and rest.