In professional services, we talk about "billable hours." These are the hours we track to later invoice to our clients at an hourly rate. It's one of the common hassles of the business: remembering what you did every hour and putting it in some kind of system often enough to invoice monthly.
I prefer 30 minute chunks and tend to round generously down if in doubt. I prefer to overdeliver in the long-run. I had an attorney who actually invoiced me 30 rappen (about 24 cents) for an e-mail that said, "Thank you. Please send me a copy for my files." Bet he never rounds down. I've always remembered this.
Last week, I billed and billed. Meetings and then follow-up. Meetings and then follow-up. Deadlines. Stimulating work. Fast pace. Strong progress.
I was exhausted. And I know by this time in my life that I must beware of burning-out or fraying edges.
On Friday, my colleague Sandra and I talked about the great energy the develops when you are fully engaged in fast-paced work. An incredible amount can get done. The funny thing is that the pace that is so productive and fun does NOT often help find the really great idea. It seems that it's still in those quiet moments, when you are finally not supposed to be thinking about work...that the great idea appears. The inspiration. The unexpected, brilliant next step.
Amazing. And a good reason to take your foot off of the accelerator. To round down generously with yourself regarding your own productivity, even when you are having fun.
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