This week I have been reflecting on time, what time is, the value of it, and how we treat it. 

Let me give you an example. I have 2 tasks of equal quality and quantity, They both require the same amount of effort and time from me... in theory! 

Now here is where it gets interesting: the idea 'A' for one happened almost a year ago and is yet to be completed; the idea for 'B" emerged, was implemented upon, and was completed within one week. The delivery of idea B included seeking advice and detailed input from at least three others. I was amazed at how quickly it was turned around by me, and by those opinions I sought. 

Idea A has a deadline that is almost here and yet I still do not feel the energy that will get me over the line - right now it feels like a 'task' that I know I want to do but I also don't want to do. 

Idea B had no deadline at all yet I still made it happen. 

What is going on here? 

The images above are from the last days of my trip to Cairo; lifequake - a piece I saw on instagram that caused me to reflect; and images of the area of Cannon Street, London where I was leading some training last week.

I believe that it is a combination of factors: deadline, motivation, and desire. 

Let's break these down... 

Clearly a deadline is going to help to get something done - it doesn't matter if you are a 'pressure prompted' or a 'slow and steady wins the race' kind of person. At the end of the day a deadline will make things happen. I don't believe that the deadline needs to be externally set either. My 'submission date' for idea B was set by me, it was as if I was trying to make the impossible happen... and guess what? I managed to do it. 

I suspect that you know a lot about motivation already. And you are right, everything you know about it, good and bad, is true. Yet, there is more than just having motivation to do something. You need to be connected to the reason why you are doing it at a value level. What this means is knowing exactly why it is important to you, to your being, to what you stand for, etc. 

I firmly believe when motivation is lacking then the job doesn't get done. 

Look at what is happening to my idea A... it is moving along but at a snails pace. 

Desire is also related to the 'why' of an idea. Simon Sinek famously says 'Our WHYs are an articulation of who we are. For most, a good WHY statement is simple, easy to understand, and reflective of the person to whom it belongs. The WHY statement should not include WHATS (the tangible things we do/job titles/etc). It should embody who you are in every facet of your life, not just work.' 

Why did idea B move from thought to completion within less than a week? Absolutely it was an articulation of why I am, my identity, and who I stand for. Idea A is the same but there is something about it that feels more vulnerable... and perhaps that is what the issue is...

Am I willing to put even more of myself on the line? 

What is the why behind it? 

And here is the thing that will make or break the decision to complete: 

What will happen if you don't do it? 

My answer to that question is what gave me the deadline, motivation, and desire to complete the task. 

If I don't do it then I will miss out on sharing an important aspect of research related to female leadership and getting that opportunity back could take years. 

If there was ever a reason to complete that was it. 

Now, what does all of this have to do with time? 

As we have seen the concept of time is fluid. For some things it really is a case of 'the task will take the time available to be completed' whether it be one week or almost one year! Our ability to focus is not affected by the time available, more it is the quality of our focus and attentiveness that is impacted. 

As we are starting to come towards the end of the summer holidays and starting to think about going back to work/school/university I invite you to think about what time means for you. 

How do you most effectively use time? 

How do the concepts of deadline, motivation, and desire impact you?

What is your equivalent of my idea A and B, and what is the happening for you as you reflect on those? 

I invite you to think about the concept of time this week. 

I'd love to hear what time means for you, if you would like please contact me and let me know. 

All my best,

Saiyyidah

The Space

PS — The Courage to Belong retreat being held virtually on 21/22 and 28/29 September still has spots for registration available. I'd love to see you there.  We've changed the pricing structure to make it even more accessible; and Brian, my co-facilitator, and I would love to see you there.