Time is Gas

Summary

• I think of time like gas; it expands to fill the container you give it. If you tell people they have a month to do a task, it'll take a month. If you say two weeks, it'll take two weeks. My job as a leader is to keep compressing that container.

• Speed is a big advantage in business. You're competing not just against other companies but also against the market and technology, which are always changing fast. If I don't compress the time needed to execute and deliver, I'll constantly lag behind those rapid changes.

• To stay ahead, I must ensure that my team works quickly by setting shorter time frames. This helps us stay competitive and adapt to new situations more effectively.

Video

How To Take Action

I suggest you start by challenging how you think about time. View time like gas that expands to fit the space given. So, whether you're running a small business or focusing on personal growth, try to "compress the container." Set shorter deadlines for tasks. For example, if something typically takes a month, try doing it in two weeks. This pushes you to work more efficiently and achieve faster results.

A good way of doing this in a business setting is to set ambitious but realistic timelines for your team's projects. This keeps everyone focused and helps to adapt more rapidly to changes in the market and technology. For personal growth, consider setting shorter time frames for learning new skills or habits.

Prioritize speed. Speed gives you a competitive edge. Whether it's against other businesses or just in keeping up with technology, being quick can make all the difference. Encourage frequent check-ins within the team to ensure everyone is progressing as planned. This makes adjustments easier and helps catch any issues early.

Finally, measure progress frequently. Use quick feedback loops to understand what's working and what's not, and be ready to adjust timelines based on this feedback. This ensures you're always moving forward and staying ahead of the game.