Zig's Wheel (Part 2)

Zig's Wheel - Part 2

If you measure well...you
might just win a Grand Prix.

In the first segment of Ziglar's Wheel, we unpacked the model with the idea that we all have roles we subscribe to, whether intentionally or otherwise.  We looked at a few models that allowed us to get a sense of what our own model should perhaps look like based on the roles that we have in our own lives.  In this follow-on segment, we'll talk a bit about creating the rubrics, goal posts, score sheet, etc, and how to "systematize" it so it doesn't necessarily become the latest fly-by of the "good idea fairy" in your home, but rather a meaningful way to make progress.  It's long been said, "What is measured, is managed" and by assigning some metrics to our goals and objectives we begin getting closer to who we say we want to become while leading our family where we've stated we want to end up.  

We talk in the first responder disciplines about a span of control, with our ability as humans to successfully manage 3 to 7 "things" (tasks, subordinates, etc), with an optimum being 5 "things."  This range accounts for the fact that in a high-speed, dynamic, complex environment, we need to focus our attention more and likely end up more toward the "3" end than the "7."  Vice versa is also true - when we have a largely stable environment marked by static, we tend to be able to keep our eyes on more things.  Ask yourself which environment your family life looks more or less like - I'd guess probably dynamic and complex based on our many roles, moods, and life activities.

From: https://www.youngmoney.co
/p/fck-money-9acf 

If you look at Zig's Wheel - we've got more than 5 things going on.  This means we can have seasons where we lean into certain components of our lives for "sprint seasons."  When we look at some of our "most successful" people as measured by net worth we can see that the top 10 most wealthy individuals have had a combined 13 divorces.  Chances are, their "Zig wheel" is highly inflated on the time/investment they've put into the work "segment."  

You have to make constant decisions to keep your wheel on balance throughout your life.  Our balance comes from the sum of our individual decision-making moments when we choose how and where to invest our time (and other resources).  In the "we are what we eat" mode, this means that generally, we get out what we put into the system.  In other words, if we do the things that skinny people do, we'll be skinny (substitute skinny with any adjective you're after).  

Some things are better
desired end stats than
others...choose wisely.

As you're looking at your wheel, you need to define the desired end state.  If you want to be super successful on a particular part of your wheel, do the things that get you (and yours) there, with an upfront understanding of the required opportunity costs.  On a personal example, my (or rather, our) decision to dial back from the high-travel, high-speed, (potential) path to vice president-level positions at the national non-profit where I worked came with the balanced benefits we were seeking with our early kid-raising years.  In other words, we traded some potential upside/downside for other potential upsides/downside and now/next in an effort to end up in a more balanced perspective.  

Wheels and balance
go together, especially
when learning.

I'm not trying to say that we made the right decision for you...we did for us.  When you look at your personal wheel (the only wheel that matters), you have to cover the basics (make the minimum payments, so to speak) on all the segments of the wheel.  In other words, you've got to have enough of a job/finance wheel segment to cover your needs, but beyond a certain point (in any segment), you hit enough, and eventually a point of diminishing returns.  Our world requires people with super out-of-balance wheels (e.g. company CEOs, star athletes, etc).  For most of us mere mortals, balance is hopefully more of the goal.  We likely have seasons of life that we all go through where we lean into or out of particular segments...but we should strive to keep the segments roughly equal.  

When we look at balance, keep in mind that we have to stay actively engaged across the spectrum.  If we know we're coming into an upcoming busy season, take time to hyper-inflate other segments.  As a personal example, we were heading into a highly lucrative financial freelance season where I'd be more engaged away from the family.  In preparation (and after), we tried to "bank up" some capital in the parenting and marriage buckets through some intentional quality time and travel.  We also tried to smooth out the runway a bit on the way out of the season with more travel as a bit of a "count down to landing" during the busy season.  

All of this is to say that it's important to seek (read proactively create) balance toward your stated end desires and be honest with those desired end states to those around you.  It's not fair to a spouse or child to sign up, then shift gears and "run away" from those commitments.  Be intentional about defining the segments of your wheel, set goals, and take action to keep them balanced.  Check-in regularly with yourself and your loved ones on how well you're doing at keeping the chambers of your wheel properly inflated for the smoothest ride possible.   

With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!

Call to Action: 

• Pick out a role that you're feeling not in balance with and commit to three actions that you'll make happen (or habits) in the coming month.  Talk with your family and co-workers on how they'll support you to be successful.  
• 1 - ___________________ 
• 2 - ___________________
• 3 - ___________________
• Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action) in your roles around the house.  Have your spouse/kids pick out a couple of sustain or changes that will make sense ahead.  

Further Reading, Motivation, and References:

- Gary Allen Right Where I Need to Be

- Zig Self Assessment