People buy things that represent their self-image, values, and success. They purchase cars, homes, boats, and ATVs. They invest in real estate and art. They become stewards of cats, dogs, and horses.
Their purchases naturally reflect their taste, aesthetics, and values. As they accumulate more material possessions, people typically come to a realization that perhaps should have been clear much earlier. Everything they own owns a piece of them, too.
We don’t own anything of true value that doesn’t require our time, attention, maintenance, and resources. The care and attention possessions necessitate take a large bite out of how we spend our time. In fact, they represent the lion’s share of how people organize their lives.
The larger the investment or value to the owner, the more time and energy it generally requires. Worrying about taking good care of our purchase and keeping it in great shape or healthy also takes a toll. People spend a tremendous amount of their mindshare thinking about and planning for the upkeep of their investments and purchases. So much so, that most of the so-called free time they have is directed at the things they own.
This is true for taking on a new leadership role, as well. When we agree to the responsibilities and commitments required in an elevated position, we invariably “own” the role as if it were a tangible thing.
Owning a role is quite common for those who aspire to create excellence, and it comes with the same consequences as owning a house or a boat. It takes an enormous amount of time, energy, and creativity to excel at leading others.
The fact that what we own also owns us is not a reason to jettison our investments or decline an important purchase. But knowing this reality before we make a significant purchase or commitment is a smart call. Ask yourself if the time, energy, and resources required to give the purchase or commitment the attention it deserves makes sense. Or will you feel trapped by those things you own, beholden in a way that redirects your life in a negative way.
Before your next major purchase, commitment, or investment (including that new puppy), think about your willingness to allow that acquisition to direct much of your time. Whatever it is will own a big piece of you. Be sure that is the bargain you want to reach.
Metaphorically speaking, we pay rent in time and worry for the most valuable things we own. Be sure you want to afford the rent before you make the purchase.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
