This may not be for you, but…

But, what if it is? It might be. Shouldn’t you check it out and see?

In a world where there are millions of places to lend our attention, how do we choose? How do we choose wisely?

The opportunities are nearly unlimited. Our time is not.

How we know if something is a good fit for us?

I was listening to a short podcast this morning. It’s one of only three I allow myself to listen to. And I don’t listen to every episode of any of them. “Short” plus it packs real value into twenty minutes are two reasons I like this particular one.

Today’s episode reminded me of a new strategy I’ve been using to manage my online consumption. I’ve learned to always ask myself this important question before clicking on anything, “Is this for me?”

I actually pause briefly and ask the question to myself.

I try to remember to ask it again a few minutes in adding one word, “Is this really for me?” Or, is it eye candy, cute, weird, bizarre, sexy, new, or just plain shiny. Otherwise, we’re just like Dug the dog in the Disney Pixar movie Up, woofing out “Squirrel!” to any of our virtual squirrels that wander into view.

I guess you could argue that a squirrel is for him. Among the three of us, he’s probably the only one who’s sure.

So, the idea is to simply check in with yourself and see if what you thought you were going to get is turning out to be what you’re getting.

If not… cut the line. Step back. Click away from the content.

Also this morning, I clicked on a video link in a stealthily persuasive email for a business program I thought might be interesting. I’ve seen this guy before and I believe he knows his subject.

The video begins with him slowly driving what you are to assume to be his blindingly polished Lexus LC along a mile long, arched driveway with a massive, ridiculously over embellished, monster of a house in the background. The camera angles made everything appear even more monstrous and excessive.

If that’s not enough, you get to hear this guy talk about how he… SORRY, click. Gone. It clearly wasn’t for me. I’m more of a back my Volkswagen out of the garage and go without any flash kind of guy.

I gave him fifteen seconds, max. And, I’m a little embarrassed I gave him that long.

You see, there is so much good work being produced out there. It’s hard to choose. With so much at your fingertips there’s no need to waste precious time on anything that’s not right for you. And you’ve got to choose. If you don’t, then, well… that’s where your time is going. At least you know.

Yes, it’s addictive…

No, it’s not. Calling it addictive is an excuse. It’s just easier to keep doing what you’re doing. That’s all.

While you’re pondering that thought, let’s add two more words to the question so it becomes, “Is this for me right now?”

It passed the “Is this for me test?” Good.

It passed the “Is this really for me test?” Check.

But, do you need it right now? Or is it something that will be more useful later?

Why is this so important? Time is precious.

Time is precious because it’s limited.

Spending time on something before you need to is like spending money on something you won’t need for a while. It makes it risky, less useful.

This life is a journey. Think of the timing of your online consumption like being on a trip… If you’re in San Diego and you’re hungry, it’s not particularly useful to look at restaurant reviews for San Francisco right now.

With these three questions…

Is this for me? 

Followed by, Is this really for me?

Then followed by, Is this for me right now?

Who knows how much of your precious life you’ll be saving for things that matter most?

 

Before I leave you this week… I want to say I’m glad you’re here. And Thank You for stopping by. It means a lot to me that you shared your time. Like I said earlier, there are millions of choices.