In today's business landscape, the concept of "time and motion" studies may seem outdated and rarely mentioned. However, the lessons I learned from those practices during my lengthy career have proven to be invaluable. While these studies primarily aimed to identify the most efficient methods for task completion, their principles still hold relevance, especially when it comes to sustaining your business.
Take a moment to reflect on the single activity that keeps your business alive. Is it maintaining an unchanged client base for the past decade? Is it continuously acquiring new clients due to your focus on project-based work without any retainers? Or perhaps it's indulging in reading blogs because they're undeniably captivating (you’re welcome).
The truth is, many of the tasks we engage in daily may not significantly impact our success; they are simply activities we enjoy (and we’ve become experts at rationalising to justify their continuation).
"Networking" is a classic example of turning something enjoyable into a seemingly legitimate business pursuit. However, any diversion from activities that genuinely contribute to your business will inevitably hinder your progress.
One could argue that engaging in "fun" activities benefits the company by promoting mental well-being, and that's a valid point to consider. Yet, it's essential to be honest with yourself. Have fun, but don't deceive yourself into thinking that it directly advances your business objectives. Instead, view such activities as a means to earn brownie points that allow you to indulge in the next enjoyable endeavor.
Now, it's time to shift your focus from reading blogs and dive into real work. Concentrate on tasks that truly drive your business forward and make a tangible difference.
Good luck and have fun (but not too much).