I am in the market for a car. I have trolled the internet, visited car lots, and asked my friends to be on the lookout, but a good deal is hard to find.
As I look at a used car, I wonder, “how did the previous owner treat it? Did they change the oil as needed? Did they drive like a cop was chasing them? Did they address maintenance issues promptly?”
If I invest in a transportation asset, I want to know someone took care of it.
Which got me thinking: What is my most important asset?
I tend to answer this question financially. My house. My retirement savings. Etc.
But that’s not true.
In his book, Essentialism, Greg McKeown writes:
“The best asset we have for making a contribution to the world is ourselves. If we underinvest in ourselves, and by that I mean our minds, our bodies, and our spirits, we damage the very tool we need to make our highest contribution.”
Farmers are fond of saying, “If you take care of your tools, your tools will take care of you.”
Abraham Lincoln said, “If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.”
What are you doing to take care of your most important asset?
Many leaders try to live in constant production mode. While certain seasons demand this, it is NOT sustainable.
Three great questions to ask:
- What fills your tank emotionally, physically, and mentally?
I love to read and learn. I love to play basketball. I love to be outside. I love to fix things.
I tend to cut these activities out of my schedule when I am busy. This is not wise, and it undermines the quality of my work.
- What drains your tank emotionally, physically, and mentally?
Watching television and scrolling Twitter drain my tank.
Both are filled with drama and arguing, and I tend to sit still while doing them. Not good.
- How do you begin your day?
Most leaders wake up and try to attack the list without regard for filling up the tank first.
When I am at my best, I dedicate the first part of my day to filling my tank. Reading. Exercising. Reading affirmations. Reviewing long-term goals. Journaling. Sitting in silence.
After doing all those, I am much more productive and positive throughout the day.
The most important asset you have is yourself. Take care of it.
Your leadership matters more than you realize!
Brian Rutherford
Director of Content & Product Strategy
