Are you constantly juggling priorities, feeling like there’s never enough time in the day? Do you find yourself wondering if you’re investing your energy in the right areas, or if there’s a better way to approach the challenges that keep piling up? If so, you’re not alone. As project and program managers, or busy professionals with demanding roles, the struggle to balance work and personal life, make the right decisions, and achieve success is a familiar one. But what if there’s a smarter way to handle it all?
In the latest Productivity Smarts Podcast, hosted by productivity expert Gerald J. Leonard, we dive into the principles of balancing productivity with personal growth, decision-making, and mental resilience. This episode features Mike Hassell, a seasoned executive and board member with expertise in multiple industries, who shares insights from his book, Deep Trade-Offs. Together, they explore the concepts of grit, decision-making, authenticity, and the critical role that understanding trade-offs plays in leading a successful life.
Whether you’re trying to boost team productivity or searching for personal balance, this post will break down key takeaways from the podcast that will help you unlock your full potential, grow as a leader, and reclaim control over your time.
Are You Caught in the Trap of Thinking There’s Only One Right Answer?
How often do we find ourselves in heated debates at work, convinced that our solution is the only valid one? Mike Hassell introduces an intriguing concept from his book: the myth of “one right answer.” Many of us were raised to think that if two solutions conflict, one must be wrong. But Mike challenges this, arguing that in reality, there are often multiple truths and valuable perspectives that exist simultaneously. This realization can reduce friction in our interactions, allowing us to see different perspectives as enriching rather than threatening.
Think about it—how much time and energy would you save if you approached disagreements at work with a mindset that values multiple perspectives? Understanding that “disagreement is inevitable” doesn’t just help in our professional lives but in our personal ones as well.
How Can a Growth Mindset and Grit Transform Your Career?
Both Gerald and Mike emphasize the power of a growth mindset and grit—qualities highlighted by psychologist Angela Duckworth. People with grit are resilient and persistent, willing to try, fail, and try again until they reach their goals. As Gerald puts it, failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone. He recounts stories like Thomas Edison’s 10,000 attempts to invent the lightbulb as reminders of the importance of sticking with a goal, even when the journey is difficult.
So, the question for you is: Are you willing to keep going until you succeed, even when it seems impossible? Developing grit means you stop viewing failure as a final outcome and start seeing it as feedback. It’s not about getting it perfect every time; it’s about learning from every experience.
Can Curiosity Be the Missing Key to Unlocking New Solutions?
Curiosity is often underrated in the workplace, but Mike Hassell attributes much of his success to this trait. In the podcast, he shares how a genuine love for learning and questioning the world around him led him to unexpected insights and opportunities. For busy professionals, curiosity might seem like a luxury, but it can be the key to innovative solutions and creative problem-solving.
When was the last time you allowed yourself to be curious? Start by questioning why things are done a certain way, or explore topics outside your industry. You may just uncover ideas that transform your approach to work.
What Role Does Vitality Play in Mental Health and Productivity?
Productivity isn’t just about working hard; it’s also about taking care of your mental and physical health. In the podcast, Mike explains how physical activity contributes to mental sharpness, vitality, and long-term health. Research supports this: studies show that regular exercise can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Imagine the productivity benefits of a quick midday walk, a morning workout, or a few minutes of stretching between meetings. These simple activities not only boost energy levels but also reduce stress, helping you stay mentally engaged and focused on your tasks.
Why Do We Often Cling to Our Beliefs—Even When They Limit Us?
One of the most compelling points Mike and Gerald discuss is why we cling to our existing beliefs, even when they don’t serve us. As humans, we often seek out information that confirms our beliefs and ignore evidence to the contrary. This “confirmation bias” limits our ability to grow, especially in the fast-paced, constantly evolving world of project and program management.
What beliefs are holding you back? Perhaps it’s the idea that work-life balance is impossible in your role, or that certain tasks “have to” be done a specific way. Challenging these beliefs can open up new pathways for efficiency, collaboration, and personal satisfaction.
How Do Trade-Offs Shape Our Decision-Making?
The concept of deep trade-offs is central to Mike’s philosophy. Life is full of conflicting values and goals—security vs. risk-taking, stability vs. growth, work vs. family. Rather than seeing these conflicts as obstacles, Mike suggests embracing them as part of life. Understanding that each decision has a trade-off can actually make decision-making easier and more fulfilling.
Take a moment to think about your biggest challenges right now. What trade-offs are involved, and what are you willing to sacrifice? Recognizing trade-offs helps you make choices aligned with your values and long-term goals, reducing the regret that often accompanies difficult decisions.
The Importance of Living Authentically
In today’s world, “authenticity” is a buzzword, but Mike shares a powerful reason why living authentically matters. Citing The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, he emphasizes that many people regret not living true to themselves. Authenticity means prioritizing your values, even when it’s challenging.
Are you living in alignment with your true self, or are you trying to meet others’ expectations? Reflecting on this can help you identify areas where you may need to adjust your priorities, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling life.
Decision-Making: Reversible vs. Irreversible Choices
Gerald and Mike discuss a valuable framework for decision-making: distinguishing between reversible and irreversible decisions. Reversible decisions can be made quickly, with the understanding that they can be adjusted later. Irreversible decisions, on the other hand, require more thought and consideration.
Applying this framework can free up mental energy and time. What decisions can you make today without overthinking? By reserving your careful consideration for the irreversible choices, you can move through your workload more efficiently.
How Relationships Influence Change
At the heart of personal growth and productivity is the impact of relationships. Mike and Gerald highlight the idea that people change not through arguments or pressure, but through relationships and understanding. In both work and personal life, connecting on a deeper level with colleagues, friends, and family can help bridge gaps in perspectives and foster collaboration.
Are you investing in relationships that matter? Building meaningful connections can transform not only your professional life but also the quality of your personal experiences.
Embracing Flexibility: The Story of “Is vs. Ought”
One of the insights from Mike’s book is the difference between “is” and “ought”—the tension between reality and ideals. We often hold ourselves to high standards of what “ought” to be, yet reality may not always align with these ideals. For project and program managers, this can be a source of frustration. The gap between the vision of a project and its real-world constraints often leads to stress.
How can you navigate the tension between ideals and reality? Recognizing that perfection is rarely attainable can help you accept the “is” while working toward the “ought” in a balanced way.
Final Thoughts: Finding Balance Amid Trade-Offs and Uncertainty
As professionals striving for success, it’s easy to get caught in the trap of believing that there’s a “right” way to do everything. But as Mike Hassell and Gerald J. Leonard show us, life is a series of trade-offs. Embracing this truth allows us to approach productivity, decision-making, and personal growth with a mindset that values flexibility and curiosity.
So, as you move forward in your career, ask yourself: What trade-offs am I willing to make to live authentically and work productively? By embracing the power of deep trade-offs, you’ll be better equipped to make thoughtful decisions, build meaningful relationships, and unlock your full potential.
Call to Action: Listen to the Productivity Smarts Podcast
If you’re ready to take control of your productivity and personal growth, tune into Productivity Smarts with Gerald J. Leonard. Each episode dives into real-life strategies and inspiring stories that empower you to lead a more productive, fulfilling life. Don’t miss out on the next conversation that could change the way you approach work and life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by project cutbacks and tight deadlines, I’m giving away my top strategies in my podcast below:
Click here to listen to my Productivity Smarts Podcast.
