Lessons
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A series of work/life lessons from the walk, as posted on my LinkedIn page each week.
#5: Targets focus attention, create incentives and work. But they also distort. So…don’t discard targets, but think hard…
I usually walk 10-12 miles, and then catch a bus back. Bus services are not always frequent. Missing the bus means an expensive taxi ride. So a “target” of reaching the destination in time has a strong incentive, and generally works. Sometimes I jog, if timing is tight. Its good exercise! I’ve only missed this target a couple of times out of 100+ days so far.
But let's stand back. Rushing means there’s less time to enjoy the view, talk to people, take photos, wander off the path for a few yards, and to think! Back to the broader purpose of the walk: raising awareness that cervical cancer can be eradicated. Its not to set a record for speed-walking around England/Wales.
The cost of being too obsessed about getting to the destination means that the journey is compromised. Its still good to catch the bus, but I need to leave earlier in order to meet the other, “softer” but ultimately-more-important “targets”.
Lesson #5: Targets focus attention, create incentives and work. But they also distort. So…don’t discard targets, but think hard… |
