Insight #11:
I have been watching cricket and rugby again, including the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, currently taking place in England. (No, I’m not in England. What do you think the Internet is for?)
Guess what I like about sports and other games. They end. They finish. They last for a predefined, limited time.
Remember the days when we had a time limit for work? You don’t? Well, you are obviously not of my generation, so let me educate you. Back then it was called the 5-day week, the 8-hour day, and the 40-hour week.
You still don’t remember, even though you are old enough? I’m not surprised. All work and no play gives Jack, and even Jill, a dull memory.
Do you at least remember playing a sport? If so, do you remember how you got your second wind when you knew time was almost up, when you knew rest and beer were soon to follow? Oh, that’s right. Today it’s not rest and beer, but selfies and energy drinks.
Now that your memory has caught up, if a little out of breath, try this at work. Set a time limit for tasks and a time limit for the day. It will force you to identify the most important stuff you need to work on — the stuff that adds value. Knowing you are working on stuff that matters will help you focus and concentrate until it’s done.
And now for the final memory test. Do you remember who the most important person on the playing field was when you were tired? That’s right! The one with the whistle about to blow end of time.
At work, the most important person seldom wants your workday to end and is thus unlikely to signal time’s up. You should learn to blow the whistle on yourself. And then have a rest.
(Please note: I am not your boss, your manager, or your executive. Always consult your boss or other qualified authority figures if you have questions regarding the use of whistles to interrupt work, irrespective of whether said work is of a trivial or important nature.)
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“Do you know how I know that life is just a game? Because it ends. Even if you’re not yet tired.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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