The 25 Tools of Excellence for a Brave New World, 10: Compass

Man is a generalist. No harm in that: he/she is remarkable at adapting and to enhance this process has created a batch of tools which allows him/her to perform to the highest levels. In a Brave New World where planet Earth undergoes several adjustments in the way we act and think, ensure such tools are all easily accessible in your portfolio.

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 screen to realise the Zoom call has started. 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 feeling out of control? 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 in the kitchen near the French Press. Be nudged: where am I going?

Get the tools to be brilliant in a Brave New World.

Bonus: How to Be Brilliant, the protocol.

The Tools so far:

1: The French Press

2: The Play-list

3: Notebook and pen.

4: The Egg-timer.

5: The Skipping Rope.

6: The Swiss Army Knife

7: A Wall and A Ball.

8: The 3 x 5 card.

9: Home-made Trail Mix