It's that T.I.M.E of the week again!

The newsletter that provides actionable life lessons to a wealthier, healthier, and happier future.

Compass to Clarity: Pursuit Mapping Unlocked

Pursuit mapping is a framework to help you figure out how to spend your time and energy in ways that align with what you’re good at and what fuels you.

The idea here is to balance competency (how skilled you are at something) with energy (how much you enjoy it).

1. Dead Zone (Bottom Left)

Low Competency, Low Energy
The Dead Zone is where you neither excel nor feel energized. These tasks can be draining and unproductive. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid or reduce time here as much as possible, as these activities are energy drainers.

Tip: Cut down or delegate tasks in this zone if you can. This clears up your energy for more rewarding areas.

2. Zone of Danger (Bottom Right)

High Competency, Low Energy
In the Zone of Danger, you’re good at what you’re doing, but it doesn’t excite you. This can lead to burnout if you spend too much time here, as you’re constantly using up energy without feeling fulfilled. Find ways to limit these activities or delegate them if possible.

Tip: Try to delegate, automate, or lessen these tasks, as they are very draining in the long run.

3. Zone of Hobby (Top Left)

Low Competency, High Energy
This is the zone of exploration and enjoyment. You may not be particularly skilled at these activities, but you find them fun and energizing. Spending time here can add joy to your life without pressure, allowing you to unwind and boost creativity.

Tip: Keep hobbies in your life to recharge and stay balanced, even if you’re not great at them.

4. Zone of Genius (Top Right)

High Competency, High Energy
This is the sweet spot. In this zone you’re both highly skilled and deeply fulfilled. You feel in flow, purposeful, and energized. The more time you can spend here, the more you’ll thrive, as this is where you feel happiest and most effective.

Tip: Make the Zone of Genius your focus. Look for ways to spend as much time here as possible.

5-Minute Pursuit Mapping Activity

1. Grab a Piece of Paper
   Draw a simple 2x2 grid with four quadrants. Label them:

   • Top Left: Hobby

   • Top Right: Genius

   • Bottom Left: Dead Zone

   • Bottom Right: Danger

2. List Daily Activities
   Write down all your daily activities for today (replying to emails, exercising, giving presentations, cooking ect.)

3. Place Each Activity in a Quadrant
   Based on your feelings:

   • Do you love it or dislike it? (High or low energy)

   • Are you good at it or still learning? (High or low competency)

4. Take Action

   • Look at the Genius quadrant and ask yourself, can you spend more time on that activity this week?

   • For Danger and Dead Zone items, can you reduce or simplify them?

This framework is a great too for doubling down on what brings energy to your life.

Give it a go and let me know if it gave you some clarity around how you spedn your energy! 🙂 

Mel Robbins is a popular motivational speaker and author known for practical, relatable advice that empowers people to take charge of their lives.

She has just written a book on the “Let Them” theory which is all about letting go of the need to control others' actions and choices. In this video she breaks down the concept.

When people act in ways that we might not agree with or that trigger us, our first instinct is often to try to change their behavior or feel frustrated.

Instead, the “Let Them” theory encourages us to simply say, “Let them.” Let them do what they choose, be who they are, and make their own decisions.

Imagine a few scenarios where “Let Them” can really change your approach:

1. At Work
   Say a coworker is always taking credit for group ideas, and it annoys you. Instead of getting frustrated or stressed, you can think, “Let them.” It doesn’t mean you agree with what they’re doing, it simply means you’re releasing the emotional hold it has on you.

2. In Relationships
   Maybe your friend is always late, no matter how many times you’ve talked about it. Instead of letting it bother you, think, “Let them.” Let them show up late if that’s who they are.

3. With Family
   Suppose a family member frequently shares strong opinions about how you should live your life. Rather than arguing, think, “Let them.” Let them have their opinions. You don’t have to agree, and you don’t have to change your choices.

4. On Social Media
   When you see people posting things that you don’t agree with or showing off online, think, “Let them.” Let them express themselves in the way they choose. It doesn’t impact your reality and has nothing to do with you.

The “"Let Them” theory is an effective framing method that frees us from unnecessary worry or frustration about things we truly have no control over.

I have used this in my life to great effect and it works. Give it a shot.

This one hit deep.

Every negative action comes from a positive intent.

The hard part is to identify exactly what that positive intent is.

Life is a constant journey of peeling back those layers.

A lot of people don’t want to go there. Don’t be one of those people.

When was the last time you took a look at the clothes in your wardrobe, items in the cupboard drawer or the appliances in kitchen?

The “One In, One Out” method is a simple and effective approach to keep clutter in check and create a more organized, balanced space.

It’s simple. For every new item you bring into your home or workspace, you remove one similar item you no longer need, use, or love.

This keeps prevents what I call the “squirreling effect” of accumulating unnecessary items by keeping your belongings manageable.

How It Works:

• Buying New Clothes: If you buy a new shirt, take a moment to choose one you haven’t worn in a while to donate, sell, or give away.

• New Kitchen Gadgets: Got a new kitchen gadget or appliance? Consider letting go of an older or less-used one.

• Books, Magazines, and Media: When you add a new book or magazine, see if there’s one you’ve finished or no longer need. Passing it along (donating to libraries or friends) can be rewarding, too.

Benefits:

1. Intentional Choices: You’ll be more mindful about purchases, as you’ll know each new item means letting go of something else.

2. Preventing Clutter: You avoid the common pitfall of accumulation, keeping your space organized and calming.

3. Mental Clarity: A clean, well-organized space can reduce stress, improve focus, and make daily tasks smoother.

A very useful concept to implement going forward.

Ambitious Question

What’s one thing you wish you could “let go” of right now?

In case you missed last week's newsletter, I spoke about:

TEACH: Ikigai - A Japanese concept for finding your “reason for being” by combining what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for.

INSIGHTS: Silence the Inner Critic - Jimmy Carr’s tips on managing self-doubt by using criticism as a tool for growth, not a barrier.

MOTIVATION: 12 Words of Humility - C.S. Lewis reminds us to focus less on ourselves to gain perspective and find peace.

EXPLORE: 100 Blocks a Day - Tim Urban’s concept of visualizing time in 10-minute blocks to spend your day more intentionally.

You can check it out here.

Feel free to share this if you gained any value from it. Feedback is also welcome.

THANKS FOR READING LEGENDS!