Are You Suffocating Your Success? Is Your Oxygen Going to the Wrong Things?

By Kevin Johnson, Leverage Consulting

In a world that never stops moving, the way we allocate our time—the very oxygen of our productivity—can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Leaders, managers, and team members alike often find themselves gasping for air, not because there's a shortage of it, but because they're breathing life into the wrong things. It begs the question: Are you suffocating your success by giving your oxygen to the wrong things?

Dwelling on Yesterday vs. Shaping Today and Tomorrow

It's human nature to ruminate on the past, focusing on what went wrong yesterday. However, yesterday's air is stale; it doesn't fuel today's engines or propel us towards tomorrow's destinations. You can't change what happened, but you have full control over what happens next. The leaders who recognize this pivot from dwelling on past mistakes to influencing future outcomes. They understand that every moment spent in the past is a moment stolen from crafting a better today and a brighter tomorrow.

Fixating on Shortcomings vs. Investing in Growth

Too often, we spend our oxygen lamenting why someone doesn't possess certain skills or doesn't think the way we do, instead of channeling that energy into teaching, training, and providing constructive feedback. This misallocation not only stifles personal growth but also hampers team dynamics. Investing time and effort into developing individuals' skills not only enriches their professional journey but also enhances the collective capacity of the team. It's about transforming perceived deficits into opportunities for development and growth.

Emphasizing Feelings Over Facts

While it's crucial to acknowledge and respect feelings, an overemphasis can lead to a foggy decision-making environment. Feelings are subjective and can vary widely across a team, but data and outcomes provide a clear, objective foundation for decisions. By centering discussions around unbiased logic and measurable results, we can foster a common understanding and make decisions that are in the best interest of the team and the organization. This approach doesn't negate the importance of emotional intelligence; rather, it ensures that decisions are informed by a balance of heart and mind.

The Art of Conscious Allocation

Becoming more conscious and conscientious about where our time—our oxygen—goes is pivotal. It's about making a deliberate choice to spend our most precious resource on things within our sphere of influence. This means actively deciding to focus on actionable items that drive us towards our goals, rather than being bogged down by the unchangeable, the subjective, or the past.

In conclusion, every minute is a breath of opportunity. The question remains: will you use it to breathe life into what propels you forward, or will you let it escape into the void of what holds you back? The most successful leaders and teams are those who understand the power of consciously allocating their oxygen to nurture growth, embrace change, and focus on the factual runway ahead. By doing so, you not only maximize your potential but also clear the air for success to flourish.