The Power of Time: How Visionary CEOs and Creative Individuals Close the Gap

The Power of Time: How Visionary CEOs and Creative Individuals Close the Gap

"Bezos, Musk, & Buffett See The World Differently, Because They See Time Differently". This quote from Jim Collins highlights the importance of long-term thinking and planning in achieving success as a CEO. While many leaders focus on managing for the quarter, the truly great CEOs understand the power of managing for the quarter-century. They have a unique perspective on time and understand that the decisions they make today can have a significant impact on the future.

But it's not just CEOs who see the world differently because they see time differently. Creative individuals, like Ira Glass, also have a unique understanding of time and its role in the creative process. In his quote about creativity, Glass explains the frustration that often accompanies the early stages of creative work. He acknowledges that the work may not meet our high standards at first, but emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the volume of work in closing the gap between our taste and our skills.

Glass's insight aligns with the idea that creativity is a practice. It's not about waiting for inspiration to strike or trying to be inherently creative. It's about actively creating and constantly improving. Glass's advice to "just make the thing" and then make it better resonates with the idea that the only real project is our body of work. It's not about creating one perfect masterpiece, but about creating a volume of work that reflects our growth and evolution over time.

The commonality between visionary CEOs and creative individuals is their understanding of the power of time. They both recognize that success and mastery are not achieved overnight. It takes patience, dedication, and a willingness to put in the work. Whether it's building a successful company or honing our creative skills, time is a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success.

So, how can we apply these insights to our own lives and work? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace long-term thinking: Instead of getting caught up in short-term results and instant gratification, take a step back and think about the long-term impact of your actions. Consider the decisions you make today and how they align with your future goals. Develop a vision for where you want to be in the next quarter-century and make choices that move you closer to that vision.

2. Embrace the gap: Understand that the early stages of any creative endeavor may not meet your own high standards. Embrace the gap between your taste and your skills as an opportunity for growth. Instead of getting discouraged, use it as motivation to keep creating and improving. Remember that it's through a volume of work that you will close that gap and create something truly meaningful.

3. Embrace the process: Shift your focus from trying to be creative to simply creating. Don't wait for the perfect idea or inspiration to strike. Just start making things and iterate from there. Embrace the process of constant improvement and reinvention over time. Your body of work is your true project, so make it a priority to consistently create and refine your craft.

In conclusion, the power of time is a common thread that connects visionary CEOs and creative individuals. Both understand the importance of long-term thinking, perseverance, and the volume of work in achieving success and creating something meaningful. By embracing these insights and taking action, we can all close the gap between our ambitions and our abilities, and ultimately make what truly matters. Remember, it's not about waiting for the perfect moment or trying to be inherently creative; it's about actively creating and constantly improving. So, start now and make the thing. And then make it better.