The Five-Year Filter: How I Decide What Deserves My Time
The paradox of business ownership: infinite choices, finite time. Every decision changes the trajectory of your business. Most business owners don't have a filter.
Scott's filter: Would me in five years from now appreciate that I spent time on this today?
The time allocation problem: You're the cheapest person you can hire, so you end up doing $10/hour work. But you can't make $1,000/hour if you're spending time on $10/hour tasks.
The Realtor study (National Association of Realtors):
- 31% running errands
- 29% social media
- 19% admin
- 18% email
- 3% client-facing activities
Time allocation doesn't match desired results.
Leverage or labor? That's the question.
Opportunity selection: Shiny object syndrome is real. Every week Scott gets 2-3 pitches. "Maybe I should start an AI company." It's easy to chase. You have to say no—even when you don't want to.
"Pick my brain?" I give it away for free every day. You have it.
Future me wants fewer and better bets. Not scattered everywhere. Consolidated efforts aligned with skill sets.
Daily decisions:
- Could that meeting have been an email?
- Is that urgent project actually a distraction in disguise?
- Focus on what your business needs next.
Strategy isn't a master document. It's the decisions you're making and the trade-offs you're prepared to make.
The inversion: The filter also reveals what you SHOULD be doing. What would future me run back into the past and give me a hug for?
Before starting any task: Pause. Would future me appreciate this? If the answer is no or "I don't know"—that's your signal.
Edward: Scott's daily Substack character—a composite of every business owner facing these same challenges. Free at scotttodd.net/blog.
Got a business question? Ask Scott here: scotttodd.net/ask
