Optimising Vs Maximising

Optimising vs Maximising

I've been thinking about the idea of optimising rather than maximising.

As defined by my AI friend: If maximisation is about achieving the highest value of a specific goal, optimisation involves finding the best solution by considering various factors and constraints.

I personally don't love the idea of striving for a highest value of a specific goal - it feels like so much pressure! I have to find what feels good to me and that's a more holistic experience.

In conversation this week with a client I shared how setting money goals for me do not resonate - yes I want the freedom that comes with having my own business with the income it can generate AND I want a more well rounded experience in my days - a calm mind, a fit and strong body, grounded and connected relationships, an adventurous spirit.

When I think about being in business as part of my life as a whole (holding myself to a high standard as a business owner, leader, partner, loved ones at home...juggling all the roles... attempting to maximise everything)... shifting my focus to optimisation is more helpful for the way I think about my success with time, money, productivity & energy.

Maximising feels urgent, hurried and stressful💥 (to my brain, although maybe you love the hustle)

Optimising feels considered, calm and abundant ✨- so much more supportive 🌿

So what might this mean for our businesses?

In restaurant world it's harder to see how optimising could be more beneficial than maximising. We're looking at maximising customer satisfaction, customer count, KPI's, staff retention, bottom line profitability et al. Surely also we want to optimise by finding the best solutions given our constraints?

One has a quantitative lens and the other a qualitative. I'd say we need both over there in business world. But for my life as the owner and leader WITHIN the business... optimisation serves me every day.

Food for thought...

BUSINESS REFLECTION PROMPTS:

Maximisation vs Optimisation

Business vs Personal

What speaks to you?

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Sarah Howell Business Coach Adelaide https://www.definesuccesscoaching.com/forbusiness