Sleep On It

When people have to make a decision, sometimes they will say that they need to sleep on it.  Other phrases with a similar meaning include pray about it, mull it over, and sit with it.  The bottom line is that they need more time to think about it.  When you take additional time to consider things, how do you evaluate your options?  If you look at the word "sleep" backward, it spells the word "peels".  In order to effectively determine the best thing to do, you may need to peel back the layers of any proposal.  As each layer falls away, you get closer to the core of what is being presented.  Three of the common layers for any decision are risk, cost, and effort.

Risk may sometimes be exposed, but not eliminated.   The key point is to be aware of it and be prepared to deal with the outcome.  Use risk to your advantage.  Acknowledge it and how it can help you.  Risk introduces a level, or layer, of uncertainty.  The only way to get to certainty is to peel away the risk and see what is beneath it.  It may not be what you want to see, but it will provide necessary information to determine next steps.

Cost could refer to money or time. 

• The financial cost is often calculated by what needs to be paid.  However, peel back the outer layer and consider less obvious costs.  Will paying more now enable you to save later?  Do you have to pay the money in a lump sum or is there a payment plan?  Is it possible for you to barter services instead of using money?  There are many layers to consider. 
• Please do not underestimate the value of your time.  You might not have much spare, or free, time.  That means that your time costs will often come from other commitments.  Your job, family, friends, and school are just some of the things that need time allocated to them.  As other things come up, lift the time layers to see where you may be able to shift or combine some things in order to have balance. 

Effort has many layers. 

• It is often measured in terms of percentage.  In order to give 100%, you may need to strip away some of the things that decrease your effort.  If there is a layer of tiredness, peel it back with preparation and strategy.  Efficiency experts will tell you to work smarter, not harder.  You only have 100% of your current capacity, not what you had yesterday or this morning.  Be realistic regarding what you have to offer at any given time. 
• Distraction is another layer that can hinder your effort.  Peel it back with patience.  Don't lose your focus when things don't happen as fast as you think they should.  Use the waiting period to make connections that will help you move forward.  Delay allows you to strengthen your position and show your resolve.

Leave a comment and share which layer applies to you.        

Friendship Frames

Friends are an extension of you.  There is a connection that supports and defines you.  Your friends are frames that surround you to give you structure and highlight your value.  Think of them as picture frames, eyeglass frames, and certificate frames. Each type of frame has a similar purpose, but may differ in what it contains and how it is used.

Picture frames hold photographs.  They display moments that were captured to be shared.  You have friends that do the same thing for you.  Some friends can be counted on to remember your best moments, always put a smile on your face, and provide backup when you need it.  You may have heard the phrase that "a picture is worth a thousand words".  If it is that valuable then the frame that holds it needs to be stable, the right size, and able to showcase the contents.  In today's shorthand lingo, this may be your BFF.

Eyeglass frames can hold the lenses to help you see better or simply function as a fashion accessory.  Your inner circle of friends should include people that act as the frames for your prescription lenses.  They have power (authority), listen carefully so that any advice they give is tailored to your personality and situation, and look beyond right now to help you see what is ahead of you.  You may also know some folks that are more like reading glasses.  They may be more direct and help you see the details of risks/rewards of potential opportunities.  Their suggestions won't necessarily be specific to you.  The value of what they say lies in the broad range of experience that they may have.  There also some frames that have no lenses.  These are like the friends you have more for style than substance.  They don't help you see anything, but they help you express your individuality and get noticed. 

Certificate frames hold diplomas, licenses, and other symbols of accomplishment.  These friends may serve as mentors, coaches, or role models.  They are trying to help you achieve something.  There may be different expectations in these relationships.  Work will be involved as well as fun.  When they agree to help you, they invest time and energy into your goals.  They will hold you accountable for what you tell them you want to do.

Leave a comment and share some of the friends/frames that have made a difference in your life. Send this post to them and let them know that they are appreciated.            

No Receipt, No Return

When you shop in some stores, they may have a policy of no receipt, no return.  This means if you do not have the receipt, or proof of purchase, for an item, then you cannot return it for a refund.  Another way to think about the phrase no receipt, no return, is to apply it to attributes that you want to display.  If you do not display certain characteristics to others, they may not be able to share, or return, them to you.  Accountability, consistency, and resilience are traits that lead to success when reciprocated. 

Accountability sends a message that you will own your failures as well as your successes.  When you accept responsibility for your actions and assignments, you set the expectation that others should do the same thing.  Credit is given when things go right and when they go wrong.  Be prepared to acknowledge your part in both outcomes.

Consistency leads to a pattern.  A pattern leads to a plan.  A plan leads to support.  Support leads to resources.  Resources lead to a team.  A team leads to help.  Help leads to efficiency.  Efficiency leads to productivity.  Productivity leads to recognition.  Recognition leads to credibility.  Credibility leads to standards.  Standards lead to consistency.  The circle of success begins and ends with consistency.

Resilience helps you withstand challenges.  Things will not always go your way, but don't dwell on the defeats.  Use your objectivity to determine what can be learned from the experience to help you the next time.  You might be temporarily down, but you are not permanently out of place. When others see you bounce back, it encourages them to get back on track.

Leave a comment and share if you want to be more accountable, consistent, or resilient.