Time is the most perishable asset we have, so we must use it well. Here are four lenses through which you can redeem the benefits of time.
Hindsight: Hindsight offers lessons for now and the future. To benefit from what’s gone past, ask yourself questions such as; what new did I learn that I did not know before? How is this new knowledge helpful today? What would I do differently faced with a similar situation? Analyse hindsight in the context of the new circumstances so that it is relevant to current goals.
Insight: Insight can come from the past or present. When you get insight, you understand more about an issue than may be immediately obvious. Insight is not facts, it’s the new meaning you get; for example, from additional information or the connections you can make between seemingly unconnected facts. Gaining insights requires open mindedness and a willing to see things from new angles.
Foresight: Foresight is trying to understand changes that are likely to happen in future and preparing for it. For example, what changes are likely to occur in your profession? How is your industry likely to develop? What additional competencies would you need to remain competitive. Don’t just react to trends, try to anticipate them and respond. Keep your eyes open to emerging changes so that you are not overtaken by events.
Oversight: When you exercise oversight over yourself, you take accountability for ensuring that your career flourishes. You keep track of your goals, you keep your skills fresh and your networks solid; you check that you are growing as a person in the level of responsibility you can handle, the challenges you can face and surmount, and the amount of success you can enjoy and still remain grounded.
Now take action: How can you prepare for changes that might affect your career?
