“The essence of self discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing.”
-Barry Werner, American Sportscaster
When it comes to prioritizing our days and getting things done, most people are familiar with some form of Time Matrix that breaks tasks into four categories:
- Important and Urgent.
- Not Important, and Not Urgent.
- Not Important, but Urgent.
- Important, but Not Urgent.
Virtually everyone would agree that item #1 – Important and Urgent – would be given the highest priority, and item #2 – Not Important and Not Urgent – would be the lowest. The challenge for most people is sorting through the amount of time we devote – or should I say “lose” – by inadvertently slipping into more #3 – Not Important, but Urgent – than #4 – Important, but Not Urgent.
EXERCISE:
Where would the habit of greater discipline concerning the important matters in your life pay you the highest returns, personally or professionally?
Consider selecting a friend, family member, mentor, or coach to work with in this area as soon as possible.