What’s a win?

what's a win?

 

You may have a goal that, when reached, will indicate victory. I will get that promotion or I will buy a house and once I get that raise or sign that mortgage, I will call it a win. Anyone who has achieved these goals can tell you that there was usually sacrifice to get there, and it does not conclude with a gold medal and ride into the sunset. If you got that promotion, you may end up with more money, but possibly more responsibilities and pressure. When you bought that house, you may get to enjoy more space but also a large, inescapable financial commitment. Think of cooking dinner; it takes time to prepare and to clean up. You may get to eat a home-cooked meal (win!) but if you hate chopping veggies, despise washing dishes, and really needed that hour spent on prep and clean-up for other activities, was the win worth it? Yes, you have to eat, but cooking dinner is not your only option. Take out or frozen dinners (hey, they are better than they used to be!) may be a better use of your time and will provide more overall satisfaction like. Of course, if you enjoy most of the process that goes along with the win of a home-cooked meal, then by all means, get to chopping.

Try this: when choosing a goal for yourself or your business, ask yourself what’s required to get there and (most important) what will be required after the goal is achieved. If takes effort to achieve your goal, but the win is meaningful to you and the long-term outcome is something you want to take on, go for it. But if it’s hard work to get there, the win is not significant and more unpleasantness awaits you after the goal is achieved, think of a new win.