5 Criteria for Putting My Energy and Time Where It Counts

Over time, the phrase “choosing my battles” has come to mean more and more to me. Went from thinking that all battles were important to those that mattered. Have established 5 criteria to put my energy and my time where it counts.

I am a person who has a lot of ideas or projects, personal and professional as a brain coach. Like when things move, I like to innovate, refine, update, and create. So, to make sure I maintain my balance and make the best choices for me, I established these criteria. They help me daily.

Do you know when they say 20% of the tasks create 80% of the results? This is what these criteria allow me, and I come out of it satisfied and balanced.

Here are my 5 criteria to put my energy and my time where it counts

So, here’s how I prioritize the projects and ideas I must maintain my balance, generate satisfaction and move toward my goals.

How do these criteria work? I put my idea on a sheet of paper, and I make five columns. I put the information corresponding to the criteria in each of the columns and then I reread everything to have a global perspective and make an informed decision.

Sometimes I postpone an idea, eliminate it in the short term or prioritize current projects so that it “fits” into my time management.

Criterion #1: Alignment

Alignment allows me to put my energy and my time where it counts because I check if the idea or the project is aligned with my ultimate goals, and my vision if you will.

Then when this is the case, I also validate the alignment with my annual objectives.

If you find that your goals are unclear or you don’t have annual goals, this is a key step. See how to establish them in these two articles: delivering your vision and how to lead to action.

Criterion #2: Context

Context refers to your internal and external environment.

First, what is going on in your internal environment? What do you notice in terms of changes and uncertainties? When you look at the dynamics of culture, human resources, production, and finance, what happens?

Then, the same thing is to do for your external context. What’s happening in the market?

This reflection will serve to notice what is happening in your context to help you decide whether this is the right time for this project or idea. Maybe yes, maybe another project would be more relevant?

Criterion #3: Opportunity

By having observed the context and getting used to it, you will more easily seize opportunities. There are “good timings” in life. Times when it’s time to go.

Our intuition is usually a great help in seizing opportunities! So, do you feel like now is the right time for this idea or project to put your time and energy into it?

Criterion #4: Reality

At this point, you probably have a better idea of ​​the reality of the context and the opportunity. That said, what does YOUR reality look like?

Do you have the human, financial, and time resources to embark on this idea or this project?

Ignoring reality wouldn’t put your time and energy where it matters. We must avoid denial, and make wise choices, as intelligent as they are inspiring. This is the challenge!

If I were your motivational coach, I would ask you what you need to install in your reality to make it more favorable to this project and this idea 😉

Criterion #5: Accuracy

This fifth criterion is not the least! It’s all about answering the following question to give yourself the chance to do as many projects and ideas as possible, as long as they’re aligned, but doing just enough.

The question: what are the important elements to do, which make it possible to make the project work at its launch?

What this means is to avoid perfection and focus on adding value. Once your project is launched, and the market responds to it, you will complete what there is to complete. You will adjust.

In computing, for example, you can launch software without having ALL the options. There are basic options that are necessary, and they must be prioritized.

To end on this criterion, correctness is the choice to prioritize tasks or features that meet the main objective, not to be perfect and complete.

In conclusion

What allows me to develop so many projects and ideas is the combination of these criteria, and which allows me to put my energy and my time where it counts. I consciously choose my projects and ideas and make room for them in my agenda.

If you want tools to better manage your energy and your time, click here to see the self-study on the subject, you might like it!