Shortcuts Take More Time

Years ago I was active in a network marketing company. One of the women, Shirley if I’m not mistaken, was in management with a government agency. “If you don’t have time to do it right this time, when will you?” Taking shortcuts can and typically do, take more time. The lack of thoroughness leads to undesirable results. Professionally that’s when reworking something has to happen versus taking the time in the beginning to do things carefully and completely.

I’m suffering from taking shortcuts at the moment. For several years now, I’ve been accepting and completing work without sending a proposal and a scope of work. It’s a “cardinal sin” in my profession. The lack of setting clear cut expectations with clients leads to misunderstanding, unmet expectations, and a sense of dissatisfaction.

It’s happened a couple of times over the last two years. My inability to set proper expectations is the problem. I didn’t do what every other professional in my industry does. It’s my fault. I took shortcuts and now fixing the mistakes is taking more time than doing it correctly in the beginning.

Today, Thursday, September 22, 2022, I am grateful that:

I’ve completed a bunch of items this week. It’s only Thursday and I’ve finished more than I thought. I’ve got more to finish, but the first three days have been productive.

I’m less afraid to ask for what I need. It’s something I wouldn’t say before. It’s interesting how when reviewing my previous works yesterday I read about me. Something’s weirdly compelling and profound. I can’t recall reading any of my journal entries from my youth so reading some of what I’d written some three years ago has an interesting effect on me and my psyche.

I’m willing to do what Fred suggested months ago. I’m raising my rates. I’ll send a copy of my increased rate sheet over to him for feedback on Friday.

I’ll meet with Jake at noon today. I’ll propose a partnership. We’ll both leverage our strengths and hopefully create some mutually beneficial.

Are you thorough in the beginning?

Do you waste time, like me, reworking your shortcuts?

How can you do it right the first time and not waste time?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!