Chapter 4: Finite Time ⏰¶
There will always be something that needs to be fixed.
You can't fix every problem: decide which problems you will fix.
Side quests are a lot of fun but life is not a video game that you can 100%. Will you do a or b?
Doing All the Things¶
Choose projects that support your growth, reputation and happiness.
Every week has 168 hours.
In addition to your time, other resources to manage include: energy, quality of life, credibility, social capital and skills.
Time¶
Finite Time¶
Typically, work calendars show meetings, the interruptions to work.
- Put work on your calendars (in addition to meetings).
This makes it really easy to see whether you can afford to tap y on that side quest.
How busy do you like to be?¶
Can you handle something extra without melting down?
- Use the maps we've discussed thus far to guide these decisions.
Choosing work¶
Oof.
There will always be a balance between choosing the strictly most important next thing and choosing the work that's right for you.
Taking care of one's own needs can be compatible with being a team player!
Resource Constraints¶
Credibility¶
-
Can be built by
- solving hard problems
- being visibly competent
- consistently showing good technical judgment
-
Balance
- seeing the big picture
- accepting pragmatic local solutions
Skills¶
Don't take on projects that teach you onothing (relevant/useful).
- Increased by
- structured learning
- take a class
- read a book
- a well-scoped project
- working closely with someone skilled
- by doing
- be hands-on
- spend time