A tool is a device or implement used to carry out a particular function. To become a better leader, we must use tools (not physical but mental tools) to make progress in our life.
I want to share with you a simple tool called the 10-Day Experiment. It is so simple it is almost hard to call it a tool, but it goes like this.
- Define what you want to accomplish
- Chose something that you will experiment with that will aide you in making that progress
- Do that thing for at least 10 days
- Evaluate the efficacy of the experiment and continue the work or start over with step one
The nice thing about this tool is that it does not feel overwhelming. I have committed to myself to do something (like exercise) every day and without a clear moment to stop and evaluate the efficacy of the thing I am trying to do I quickly get overwhelmed at how the one thing may take over my life and leave little room for other things. You and I can do anything for 10 days.
In my year in review post, one of my intentions is to strengthen my relationships with loved ones. I decided I would be intentional about recognizing the great things my family members do each day. My experiment was to write down at least one great thing my wife and each of my children did that day. Then at the end of the week (on Sunday) I would share those observations with each family member.
Two weeks have passed since I started my experiment and I love it. It helps me to be more present and look for the good in my family and reinforce positive feelings in our home.
What do you want to accomplish? Write down (do not just think it) at least two ways you might experiment with making progress and then try it for 10 days.
Let me know what you are learning. I am always looking for new experiments to try.
