Return on Investment
I'm learning to think differently about return on investment.
The difference relates to the use of time. What return on investment do I get on my time?
Those who know me best know my short attention span for many tasks, the lack of structure in my working world, and the seemingly random bursts of inspiration and productivity that characterizes my output.
It obviously wouldn't work for me to evaluate all time the same. Two hours of "unproductive" space may result in thirty minutes of incredible insights and writing productivity. Whereas, if I tried to sit down and be creative at a scheduled time, it might take me five or six hours to produce an equivalent outcome.
Hence the usefulness of thinking in terms of return on investment. My focus shifts away from measuring levels of effort or busyness to selecting best paths for achieving desired outcomes; from what I'm putting into my efforts to what I'm getting out of my efforts.
A big difference.
1 Comments:
I often wonder if there isn't a bit of the 'manic-depressive' in me and possibly everyone.
At times, I have these bursts or productivity that just clear my desk and I ride that wave until my eyes droop. And at other times, it is all I can do to get anything done.
Your writing makes me think about my motivations at those times and how it might be useful to shift my thinking. Instead of feeling great about the former and crap about the latter, why not accept that my motivations are here to stay and the driving force towards productivity.
If, for example, during the 'depressive' times I could seek out things that I know I would like to do, and be comfortable with the rest sitting, then I would achieve productivity and a hefty ROI.
Conversely, during the 'manic' times, I need to look at things I enjoy doing and make sure they really are delivering something wortwhile. Perhaps a course alteration would increase my ROI even more.
Hmmm!
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