How to be more intentional,
think more clearly,
do more consistently,
and have what really matters.
Dick Biggs
Urgent vs. Important
Do you struggle with what you need to do now (urgent) and what you want to do over a lifetime (important)? If so, welcome to the modern world of trying to balance the work you do with the life you lead.
The following exercise may help you appreciate any imbalance you may be experiencing between the urgent and important matters of your life. In the left column, write down all of your urgencies from the past week. In the right column, list what`s important during your lifetime:
Urgent (Now)
Important (Lifetime)
In a typical week, it would be difficult for most of us to write just our business urgencies in the small space on the left side. However, when I thought about the important matters in life, my purpose statement came to mind and would fit easily in the right side. It reads:
l. I will strive to maintain my integrity in all facets of my daily living.
2. I will strive to have a positive impact upon the people whose lives I touch; and to set a worthy example to all as a principle-centered role model and mentor.
3. I will strive to honor God in all that I think, say, and do. (Purpose statement anchor: Micah 6:8)
Don`t let the urgent matters of work sap your energy for the few important matters of a lifetime. Since it`s virtually impossible to plan for all the "now" matters that can be so stressful, you must develop a keen sense of urgency. In turn, this will free up more time to plan and act on the important matters that shape the rest of your life.
Dick Biggs is president of Biggs Optimal Living Dynamics. An inspirational speaker, he is the author of If Life is a Balancing Act, Why Am I So Darn Clumsy? For more information about Mr. Biggs, call (770) 886-3035. His e-mail address is [email protected].
