-Lord Chesterfield
My previous CEO, Andy Bailey, always said that "Stress comes from unfinished commitments." I always liked that statement as I have found it to be very true in ALL aspects of life. Think about it – what do you STRESS out about the most? The usual suspects arise – money, health, family, etc, however the ones that hurt the MOST are being late for an appointment, that report that is due Tuesday, being behind in your sales goals. It's the PRESSURES you are able to CONTROL that hurt the most and cause the most anxiety.
Most people have yet to RECOGNIZE that they are in TOTAL control of how they manage stress by how they manage activities. Every morning you have a choice on what you are going to do – read the paper, log into MySpace, chat with a friend OR you can type out that email you need to get to the client, call on your new business development list, etc… what do YOU most often choose?
Like many others, you (and I) will likely choose the tasks that hurt the LEAST or in this case are the EASIEST to accomplish. Then at the end of the day we will RUSH to complete the MOST IMPORTANT tasks that we have been putting off all day long. You may even CONVINCE yourself that you are "better under pressure," however don't confuse an excuse with a reality. Common mistakes are made in a RUSHED situation where time and pressure cause mental errors. So what can you do?
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Often TIME MANAGEMENT is confused with PRIORITY MANAGEMENT – don't let yourself fall into this trap. You are COMPENSATED to create results – not babysit a computer. Once you understand the VALUE of YOUR time, you are better suited to begin working at a higher capacity.
I focus my efforts on being able to complete my days most CRITICAL tasks before lunch time. Why? First, it places a measurement on my productivity – can I get this much done, this quickly, with ACCURACY? Secondly, it frees up my afternoon for CREATIVE opportunity – networking, research, community activity, etc.
When you are able to FOCUS on the most important PRIORITIES, you are able to complete the most IMPORTANT tasks and allow the remaining "bull" to fall to the side. Do what drives your business, don't mess with all the other stuff. This WILL ease your mind, your body and your spirits from the PRESSURES of a tough workday. Take CONTROL of your life… you will thank yourself for it! Have a GREAT weekend!!
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
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