A Sense of Urgency – Getting Things Done
“Man who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very, very long time.” Chinese Proverb
If you are thinking about starting a business, do you know how to get things done? People who meet goals, accomplish objectives, and perform as promised, usually succeed in life. They know how to get what they want. They understand what is important and what will distract them. They are aware of the importance of establishing priorities. They avoid wasting their time. They sense the unimportant details that gobble up precious hours and lay a foundation for failure – a moment at a time.
On the other hand, do you know anyone who talks a wonderful story of promise, but little ever comes of it? Unfortunately, their dreams remain dreams not deeds. Perchance, if you are someone who can’t get things done or meet your goals, think twice before you try to open a business. You will soon find out that owning a business is working for an unforgiving and demanding master. Your mistakes will cost you money and excuses will not replace it.
I suggest that you take a moment to think about your skills and accomplishments. Ask yourself if you are doing the things you planned to do – or is your list just getting longer? If so, it may be time to make a change in your work style.
1.To Start, Take Responsibility for Your Actions or Inaction.
Accept the fact that success is not dreaming about what you are planning to do, but action – constructive, planned action that will take you step by step to success. Don’t dwell on – do it! It is OK to plan, but there is a critical point when planning stops and action takes over.
2. Have a Sense of Urgency.
A new business must be managed with a sense of urgency as most initially lose money. You will discover that to succeed, there will be an urgent demand to get your new venture profitable. To do so requires an action style of management – getting things done. If you like to discuss your plans to the point of exhaustion, change your management style – or plan to look for a job.
3. Getting Things Done.
Do you have trouble getting things done, or difficulty in meeting deadlines and schedules? Perhaps it is because you are unable to make a decision, fear to act, are overcautious, afraid to make a mistake, or unable to set priorities.
Are you able to delegate or, do you feel you must do everything yourself, not trusting anyone to do as good a job as you can do? If so, you will accomplish little as you will be too busy to do the important tasks. Another problem you may have is underestimating the time required to accomplish tasks. Or, perhaps you can’t say no – obligating yourself to waste time on unimportant issues.
4. Manage With Success.
Take time and take action – putting things off can put you out of business. To start with, determine the most important task you have to do today, the most important to the welfare of your company. And do it! Don’t get sidetracked with unimportant activities. Put other demands on hold. Later move on to those less important items. Learn to rank the demands placed on you by the degree of importance to the profitability of your business. As you do so, you will learn to weed out those time-wasting tasks that only interfere with your success.
Start managing your time – realize that it is limited. Ask yourself, what do I have to do today? As well as what must I do today? I suggest that you use to-do lists or post notes as a reminder to keep you on track. It helps to start each day with a few quiet moments. Prepare a list of your most important tasks – and take action. At the end of day: a few more quiet moments to check your progress. Learning to manage your time will take practice and patience but will pay you handsome dividends. Getting things done means focusing on your daily goals as well as your long-term goals. Your successful business will be built one day at a time.
I suggest you have a personal rule: “If the task will not benefit my bottom line, I will postpone it to a less demanding time.”
Article © Copyright 2001 Dr. Paul E. Adams. Syndicated by Paradigm News, Inc.
