The Hassle Factor comes into play when in order to accomplish something, there are too many hoops to jump through, time restrictions, high financial expense, etc.. The Hassle Factor is when something is not worth pursuing if the time, effort and stress you will invest are greater than the long-term reward.
If you are unsure if something is worth the hassle, you can take a deep breath and make your decision clearly. You will always have, at the least, a few moments to try to analyze the situation. Usually, you will have a week to a month or so to make a decision. You can spend that time stressing out--or you can spend that time investigating your options with an open mind. When you reach your decision you can announce it with confidence. You will know that you have clearly thought out the pros and cons. You will have looked at your strengths, assets and resources. You will know if it is worth the hassle--or not.
When you are confronted with a new situation and find it stressful, stop to ask, "why." It may be because of simply the unknown. New and uncharted territory is frightening. There may be a lot of work involved or factors out of your control.
Once you learn the long list of requirements to accomplish something, it is a good time to reevaluate. Maybe your time and energy can be better spent on a higher pursuit. On the other hand, maybe you can spend you time and energy on something you really want instead --like opening up your own business. Money is not the only reason to do something. Personal growth and personal reward must be extremely high on your list of priorities.
Some things are worth it and some things are not.
Example:
If you are applying for a job, often there are many hoops you must jump through to satisfy requirements. Having obtained a particular license, degree, certificate or experience is the best way to qualify for a great job. Most times you must take the time to write and submit resume/CV and cover letter. Drug testing, polygraph (lie-detector) test and even a physical with a doctor may also be required. But if they request you do unusual things like psychological testing or require a test period of a week for a simple or short job, it may not be worth the hassle. The hassle factor becomes even higher when you must pay for these out of your own pocket and not be compensated.
No matter the situation, you do not have to stress over it if you are proactive.
Begin by looking at the true priority of this situation. Has it been important in the past? Will it be important in the future?
Many times we get stuck in ruts. We think that the way we have been looking at things may be the only way.
Stand back and take a look at the big picture. Start breaking it down. Make lists.
Ask questions lie the following:
Once you have your list, revisit the importance you put on this challenge. Is it still as important as you first thought? Must you do all the work?
Your best decision may be to hire someone else to help or do the work for you. Chances are, they are more qualified than you and able to do the job at a reasonable cost. They may have the patience or workspace to accomplish the job better than you ever could. This all frees you to do what you are good at and stay concentrated on achieving other goals. You will minimize your fear of the unknown and your stress.
Example:
If you live in a neighborhood with a Home Owner's Association and they have certain criteria you must meet. Maybe it is easier for you to hire some to maintain the yard. If you do it it, you would have to own a lawn mower, remember to buy gas for it and keep it maintained. You would have to be around during watering times and also remember to turn it off and on to meet watering restrictions or have a manageable water bill. In addition, you would need to make the time once a week to water the lawn. Then there is raking the leaves, fertilization, etc.. Maybe just hiring someone to come in and xeriscape the yard, if that is acceptable to the home owner's association, would be better. You can think way outside of the box too.
If you can achieve the same end with less stressful methods or with less work, maybe that is the path you should take. Don't forget that your time has value too. Ask, "Is this worth my time?"
If your personal reward or achievement is a price you are willing to pay, you are the only one that can be that judge.
If you decide something is not worth the hassle, the it is simply time to move on. Don't spend your time wondering if you made the right decision. That is just wasted time. Invest your time in looking forward with confidence and to the possibilities. Be thankful you are free from the stress of the Hassle Factor.
When you are confronted with a new situation and find it stressful, stop to ask, "why." It may be because of simply the unknown. New and uncharted territory is frightening. There may be a lot of work involved or factors out of your control.
Once you learn the long list of requirements to accomplish something, it is a good time to reevaluate. Maybe your time and energy can be better spent on a higher pursuit. On the other hand, maybe you can spend you time and energy on something you really want instead --like opening up your own business. Money is not the only reason to do something. Personal growth and personal reward must be extremely high on your list of priorities.
Some things are worth it and some things are not.
Example:
If you are applying for a job, often there are many hoops you must jump through to satisfy requirements. Having obtained a particular license, degree, certificate or experience is the best way to qualify for a great job. Most times you must take the time to write and submit resume/CV and cover letter. Drug testing, polygraph (lie-detector) test and even a physical with a doctor may also be required. But if they request you do unusual things like psychological testing or require a test period of a week for a simple or short job, it may not be worth the hassle. The hassle factor becomes even higher when you must pay for these out of your own pocket and not be compensated.
No matter the situation, you do not have to stress over it if you are proactive.
Begin by looking at the true priority of this situation. Has it been important in the past? Will it be important in the future?
Many times we get stuck in ruts. We think that the way we have been looking at things may be the only way.
Stand back and take a look at the big picture. Start breaking it down. Make lists.
Ask questions lie the following:
- Is this really what I want?
- What other realistic ways can the same outcome be achieved?
- Who are the people that can help?
- What resources you can tap into?
- What are all the things that must be accomplished to deal with this situation?
Once you have your list, revisit the importance you put on this challenge. Is it still as important as you first thought? Must you do all the work?
Your best decision may be to hire someone else to help or do the work for you. Chances are, they are more qualified than you and able to do the job at a reasonable cost. They may have the patience or workspace to accomplish the job better than you ever could. This all frees you to do what you are good at and stay concentrated on achieving other goals. You will minimize your fear of the unknown and your stress.
Example:
If you live in a neighborhood with a Home Owner's Association and they have certain criteria you must meet. Maybe it is easier for you to hire some to maintain the yard. If you do it it, you would have to own a lawn mower, remember to buy gas for it and keep it maintained. You would have to be around during watering times and also remember to turn it off and on to meet watering restrictions or have a manageable water bill. In addition, you would need to make the time once a week to water the lawn. Then there is raking the leaves, fertilization, etc.. Maybe just hiring someone to come in and xeriscape the yard, if that is acceptable to the home owner's association, would be better. You can think way outside of the box too.
If you can achieve the same end with less stressful methods or with less work, maybe that is the path you should take. Don't forget that your time has value too. Ask, "Is this worth my time?"
If your personal reward or achievement is a price you are willing to pay, you are the only one that can be that judge.
If you decide something is not worth the hassle, the it is simply time to move on. Don't spend your time wondering if you made the right decision. That is just wasted time. Invest your time in looking forward with confidence and to the possibilities. Be thankful you are free from the stress of the Hassle Factor.