Just In Time Information Vs Just In Case Information

I heard Pat Flynn say something recently that really resonated with me. He described that there’s two different types of information: ‘Just In Time’ information and ‘Just In Case’ information.

‘Just In Time’ information is something you learn that you can apply immediately to overcome a challenge you’re experiencing right now. It’s the new idea, approach, or perspective that will help you breakthrough whatever it is that’s holding you back. You seek out ‘Just In Time’ information to solve a specific problem. You find the Youtube video, Ted Talk, book, podcast, or leader that is likely to have what you need. And the idea is, once you learn it you can use it and make immediate progress.

‘Just In Case’ information is everything you’re learning that rounds out your knowledge. It’s not perfectly relevant right now, but it's something that might be useful in the future. But the problem is, many people invest so much of their time learning new things and think that it’s going to help them advance in their health, career, and life. But that’s not the case and they’re disappointed when they stay stuck where they’re at even though the feel like they’re putting the work in.

I know this too well. For years I was a ‘Personal Development Junkie’. I could list off life-changing principles, confidently state timeless quotes, and brag about how many books I was reading every year… But my life wasn't changing even close to as fast as it should given how much I knew. It wasn’t until I started applying what I was learning that I started reaching the next level of success, influence, impact, and fulfillment I knew was possible for myself.

And that’s exactly what prioritizing ‘Just In Time’ information is all about. Instead of wasting time learning things that you don’t need yet, you can pour that time into taking action toward the things that will most move the needle right now. Then once you get to that next level and hit your next roadblock, that’s when it’s time to go find the information you need to advance past it. 

A metaphor I like to use that relates to this is that of a car. Typically, when we consume more ‘Just In Case’ information we’re putting fuel in the gas tank. And we need gasd to go, but given how readily accessible information is these days, we all pretty much have a full tank. 

Instead, what we need to do is upgrade the Self Improvement Engine that utilizes the fuel - that’s how we go faster and be better! And when it’s time to refuel the tank, make sure it’s the right type of ‘Just In Time’ information that’s going to be most helpful on the next phase of your journey.

If you need help making that transition, and start doing more with what you know so that you actually implement the changes you need to make that will generate the success you desire, I have a 3 week process that walks you through it.