One of the primary differences between people who are successful and those who are not is that those who succeed understand the need to most effectively use their time. They understand that their time is their most precious resource. They understand that it is absolutely limited and that we all have the exact same amount. It is therefore critical to use that time most effectively by doing those things that need to be done first to insure they get done or, putting first things first.
Events and people around you will attempt to distract you from this constantly. Others need your attention and time to attend to this and that and usually to do so right now. Often other people need your attention or time because they failed to prepare or failed to put first things first.
Despite your best efforts to plan your day you will find events outside your control will interfere with those plans and steal some of your precious time away. This cannot be helped. Even the President of the United States cannot control his every minute. Things happen to us all.
Despite these obstacles however you still should resolve to put first things first and make every effort to plan each day with the intent to accomplish the most important things you need to do. Notice I said "important" and not urgent, for many urgent things are of little importance.
How to Put First Things First
The best way to make sure that you are putting first things first is to plan for it. This means you should have well thought out goals which you have written down and which you review regularly. When you plan your activities for the year, month, week and day you should be keeping those goals in mind. Whatever else you plan to accomplish you must ask yourself continually whether you are planning actions that will further accomplishment of your goals.
The most critical part of this however comes in daily planning. This is what you have the most control over. Each day you should create some form of "to do" list which should include the important things, not just the urgent things, that need to be done to achieve your most important goals.
As important as planning is execution is essential to make the plans useful. It is important to refer to your list throughout your day and modify it when circumstances require. By referring to your list you can remind yourself to attend to those first things that need to be done first and get them done. Then, when they are completed, you can check them off, which always gives a sense of satisfaction.
Follow this simple 5 step process:
1. Identify your most important goals;
2. Identify those things you must do to achieve your most important goals;
3. Put those things that must be done on your to do list;
4. Refer to your list throughout your day to bring your attention back to working on your first things;
5. Check them off when they are completed.
If you do this every day with consistent discipline you will make far more progress toward accomplishing what you seek to accomplish. Put first things first and success will come within your reach.
Daniel R. Murphy writes on success and how you can build wealth. Would you like to learn how others have been successful in business and in life? For a free success ebook and much information which can help make you successful and financially independent visit http://www.bookstowealth.com/. Begin your self-education today learning how others have become successful and rich! Do it today!
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