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.