The Essential Tools for Excellence 4: The Compass

Man is a generalist. No harm in that: he/she is remarkably adept at adapting and to enhance this process has created a batch of tools which allows him/her to perform to the highest levels.

When push comes to shove, what are the essential Tools of Excellence?

4: The Compass.

In the world of the clock, time races. A glance at the time on our phone, a flick of the wrist to see how much of the hour has disappeared, a stare at the airport screen to realise we haven't long to get to the gate. In the world of the clock, we are up against it like the perspiring hero in a thriller who keeps getting closer but never actually reaches his goal. In the world of the clock, efficiency is chased: doing stuff and doing more stuff. And doing more stuff than last week.

In the world of the compass, direction is important. Where are we going? Why excatly are we once again on a Monday morning running for the gate? In the world of the compass we are concerned less about 'getting stuff done' and more about getting the right things done. Do those and we invariably have to get less stuff done tomorrow.

Buy a simple geographical needle-spinning compass. No, make that two. Place one on your desk, a hand width from your mouse. Place one at home wherever you drop your keys when you arrive home.

The Excellence Kit-Bag so far:

1: Notebook & pen

2: The Play-list

3: The Single-gear bike.

4: The Compass