Four steps to
make your day dynamic!
Choose one of two ways to get off to a great start.
Most of us choose the first method which is to dive in; tackling whatever is in
front of you. Many of us check our emails as this is an interesting beginning.
It is always fun to see what is new since you last looked.
Another scenario is firefighting. Firefighting is the act of facing and finding
quick fix solutions for all the emergency situations that seem to be coming at
you from unknown sources. These urgent problems can also eat up an alarming
amount of your work day.
Let's look at method #2 to begin your day. The most important thing to remember
is that this day is a gift. Choose carefully what to do with it as you only get
a choice once a day. Why not do the important -but-not urgent tasks first?
Completing these tasks will provide success for you as you have defined
it. However, if you do not prioritize and do these tasks first, you will almost certainly
fail to do them. Here is how.
1. Define where you want to be in 3-5 years. Now list the steps it will take to
get you there. Break these steps down into yearly goals, then monthly and
finally weekly. Take the time to plan your life!
2. At the beginning of your day, pull out your weekly goals. What will you do
today to advance your weekly goal? List this (these) tasks.
3. Now get to work. Scan your emails - don't read them! Do not get bogged
down! Also, scan anything else you think needs your attention and cannot be put
off. Phone messages, faxes inbox and anywhere else you receive communication. Get
an overview of what new items will require your attention today.
You should have spent no more than 30-45 minutes and gathered up the
information required to plan your day. You know what you have to do, and are
already planning it in your mind. You don't have to worry about forgetting something
important.
4. Write down 10 -15 things you realistically intend to get done by the end of
the day. You will not be able to do much more than this. Now cut that list to 4
or 5 that are
important-but-not urgent and critical to your future goals. We will do these
items first, and then follow with the remaining items in some sort of order.
Estimate the time to complete each item. At the end of the day, when you review
what got done and the actual time it took, you will have a great reference for
future planning. This skill will serve you well.
5. Now complete one of your highlighted tasks, one you enjoy if you can.
How much time would all this take? Maybe 90 minutes! And - you have completed a
step towards your 3-5 year plan. (What would a constant daily step towards your
goal will produce?) You know what else you must do today, and you know where it
will lead.
Once you begin to do the important-but-not urgent items on a daily basis, there
will be less urgent items surprising you. The sense of achievement will be
strong encouragement for you as you continue to strengthen your skills in this area.
Now you have two ways to begin your day. Which do you choose?
Business success is tied to personal success. Learn more from acknowledged
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