Schedule Then Action

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey

Great stuff. I know I’m totally guilty. Head down, focused, making things happen, checking boxes, kicking butt and taking names and then it happens. That sick feeling like you forgot something. Something important. Maybe your anniversary. Maybe the big report that was due today. Maybe the update on the results of the last quarter you were to present to the senior leadership team. Today! In a panic you realize you were busy but not on the most important thing.

So, thus the amazing statement by Stephen Covey. Prioritizing the things on your schedule is a good thing but not near as important as making sure all of your important task, most important task are already on the list. Then, work on those things first. Not just having them on your list but committing the time and resources to address and complete those items. A plan is awesome but a plan without action is a wish. There are a few things that you, your gifting, your experience, and your insight bring to the situation that no one else is qualified to do. So make sure you work on those things first. The book 80/20 principle says, 20% of our task produce 80% of our results. Stay in those 20% areas the most.

They say that each person should have only 5 major tasks/ responsibilities. Delegate and empower others to handle the rest.  That’s why it is so important to get in the habit of First Things First. If we always take a few minutes to make sure we are doing the most important things first, it will make the rest of our lives so much more enjoyable.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey