Self-Management: Pain by Numbers--The True Cost of Default Habits

In this episode, Jason and Jim explore how time management is less about controlling your schedule and more about understanding your personal priorities and the emotional and financial costs of misalignment. They introduce the concept of “Pain by Numbers”—a strategy for quantifying the cost of inaction and bad habits in your daily behaviors.

“Time management is really a myth... I can’t manage time. I can manage my priorities in a set of time.” – Jim“When you quantify issues, the real issue is that it’s a me solution. And if I don’t deal with it, no one else will.” – Jason

Key topics include:

• Why most people float in default mode and how that drains productivity and energy.
• How to conduct a time audit to identify your true behavior vs. your stated goals.
• What it means to quantify emotional impact, not just financial ROI.
• Why small daily decisions compound, and how to measure their long-term cost.
• The difference between using pain/shame vs. gain/opportunity as motivational fuel.

Jim shares the humbling story of trying to “optimize every minute” with a personal mantra—only to end up emotionally wrecked from the pressure. Jason ties in a powerful Faulkner quote, "I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools." about forgetting time to live in the moment, flipping the script on traditional time management advice.

“It’s not what you do on a Tuesday night... It’s how you are—forever.”

🏆 About Crossroads Business Development:

At Crossroads Business Development we are the recipients of the David H. Sandler award for 2021, the highest mark of achievement that the network passes out. We pride ourselves with our dedicated service to the success of our clients and our top-of-the-line training that keeps our clients engaged and coming back for more.

Jim is a dynamic and engaging conference presenter and national speaker, renowned for his impactful presentations at a wide array of sales and industry events. With an impressive twenty-five-year track record in entrepreneurial small business creation, sales, and company management, he brings a wealth of real-world experience. Additionally, Jim has spent two decades honing his expertise through Sandler Sales & Management Training, equipping him with the tools to drive success in any organization. His keen insights and ability to identify and address roadblocks are instrumental in fostering growth and transformation for individuals and companies.
📧 Reach out to Jim at jim.stephens@sandler.com

Jason worked at the university before joining the team. He brings an analytical perspective to coaching and has several tracks to help with team and personal development. Our clients hire Jason for his systematic approach to help them integrate Sandler into their day-to-day operations. His attention to detail and expertise with our assessment tools help them create behavior-based plans to incorporate more processes and align their goals with the company's goals.
📧 Reach out to Jason at jason.stephens@sandler.com