Your most valuable investments aren’t just in your bank account—they are in your calendar. How you invest your time, energy and attention shapes what you build, how you grow and the kind of leader you become.
Too often, trailblazers who want to build businesses, lift teams and shape industries get trapped in "should" mode. They take on more responsibility because they are capable, not because it moves them forward.
One way I help humble, high-impact leaders is by crafting a personalized framework to pressure-test commitments and ensure their time and energy generate the highest return. Here is an adapted version of the Investment Clarity Model to assess opportunities—whether deciding to take on a volunteer position, board seat, new project or career change.
1. What Am I Really Solving For?
We tend to make decisions based on surface-level desires rather than deeper needs. If you don’t identify what’s truly driving you, you may end up investing time and energy into something that doesn’t deliver the outcome you want.
Case Study: A managing director came to me convinced he needed a change—quitting his job and starting a business. After creating a Clarity Model together, he realized he wanted to build something new and feel challenged.
Solution: Instead of starting from scratch, he secured a new role at his company leading a product launch and building a team. This gave him what he craved—without unnecessary risk.
Key Takeaway: The solution you think you need may not be the one that actually serves you.
2. What Are Other Ways to Solve This?
There’s rarely just one path forward, but high achievers often default to all-or-nothing thinking—assuming a drastic change is the only answer. The key is exploring multiple options before committing.
Case Study: A high-performing executive was exhausted from constant travel and felt the only way to regain balance was to step away from the company altogether. But then we reframed the question from “Should I leave?” to “What are my options?”
Solution: Instead of resigning, she restructured her role to focus on high-impact strategy work while delegating travel for implementation. She gained the energy and freedom she wanted without walking away from the company she loved.
Key Takeaway: If you only see one option, you’re not seeing the full picture.
3. What Will This Require of Me?
Every investment comes with a cost. Before saying yes, run a cost-benefit analysis.
Case Study: A founder was excited about joining a nonprofit board that aligned with his mission. But when we ran the numbers, he realized the time commitment would add up to 15-plus hours per month. Saying yes meant sacrificing outcomes that directly impacted his business and would pull energy away from his priorities outside work.
Solution: Instead of a full board seat, he opted for an advisory role, providing impact without overextending himself.
Key Takeaway: Don’t just ask, “Can I do this?” Ask, “What will this require of me, and at what cost?”
4. Decide: Is This a Heck Yes?
If an investment is right, it should feel clear and aligned. If it’s not a heck yes, then it’s a no—or at least a no for now.
Case Study: A leader received a job offer with more money and a bigger title, but something felt off. Using the model, we uncovered that weekly travel meant less family time, and the work wasn’t as exciting. She passed on the role and, six months later, landed a fully aligned opportunity.
Key Takeaway: You don’t need to force a yes.
Final Thought: Invest Like It Matters—Because It Does
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Every choice you make is an investment. I hope this model helps you invest your time and energy with more clarity, intention and impact.
Becky Thalmann is the founder of Vivica Partners and is on a mission to empower real-deal leaders to drive change, freedom and impact. She is a life and business strategist, transformational leadership architect and certified professional coach based in Glenview. Learn more at VivicaPartners.com.