THE YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW PRINCIPLE

Ever heard of the Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow principle?

For those who have worked with me over the years, you would have heard the above repeatedly. Sometimes painfully so, but proven right each time.

It has its roots somewhere in my youth and comes from a combination of not putting stuff off, focusing on the task at hand, and setting realistic goals and targets.

The concept is:

  • Make the time to work on what you have been putting off (yesterday), before looking at what you need to do now (today).
  • Don’t think about the future (tomorrow), with unaddressed matters from the past (yesterday).
  • Don’t start something (today), unless you have given thought to the outcome (tomorrow).

A practical example or two…

When holding a Manco, Exco, Board meeting:

  • Yesterday – How have we done with our action minutes?
  • Today – What do our results look like currently?
  • Tomorrow – What are our plans for the coming period?


Or

When engaging in a 1-2-1:

  • Yesterday – How have things been?
  • Today – What are you currently focussing on?
  • Tomorrow – What do we need to work on to be successful?


Or

When telling someone about yourself (elevator pitch):

  • Yesterday – I came from, and worked at…
  • Today – I currently am, and work in…
  • Tomorrow – I am open to, and want to become a…


Tip: If ever you forget the order…it’s like the plant.

 

Got it? Give it a try. It really does work if applied correctly.

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