The Power of Heroes (Part 1)

Written by Dave Navarro on March 15, 2006

Someone once said, “We don’t do things because they are right or wrong. We do them based on who we want to be like.”

There’s truth in this. We take a lot of our actions based on our role models - the people we want “to be like” - and our peers - the people we want “to be liked by.” These people evoke powerful emotional responses in us that actually drive the quality of the decisions we make (and conversely, can also drive us to make some pretty dumb decisions, too!).

But what does this have to do with time management? Just everything. Ask yourself these two questions:

1. Who do I know of who has a phenomenal ability to manage time?
2. (read the next blog entry to find out!)

This is the “carrot and the stick.” You can use the answers to both of these questions to help you become a better manager of your time.

Here’s how you use the first question. When you’re at a point where you need to take action in your day, think of someone you know of that has a fantastic grasp of time management. Then imagine that they were in your shoes for the day. If you were that person, how would you handle the tasks before you? What kind of attitude would they have? What kind of focus? How would they handle interruptions? How would they handle obstacles?

Then just imagine that your role model was taking over, and follow through accordingly. Sure, it may sound silly, but I’m telling you that it works. It may take a little getting used to in the beginning, but it’s insanely worth it.

Give it a shot today, and please leave a comment on your results. I’d love to hear about it. And pass this along to a friend, as well. You two can compare results & help each other get even more out of this tactic.

Stay tuned for Part Two of this article … but for now, put what you just learned into practice!

All the best -

Dave Navarro