How to Focus on What Really Matters
What matters:
When you end the day saying, “I didn’t get anything done today,” you spent your day doing what matters to others, not to you.
It’s tragic – even pathetic – to pour energy into things that matter to others, but not to you.
Know what matters, before trying to do what matters.
John Manning, author of, “The Disciplined Leader: Keeping the Focus on What Really Matters,” says you must identify the vital few – The 20% that drives 80% of your success.
The vital few are the actions that drive results that matter.
John reminded me that we must keep asking and answering the question, “What do I want?” You must know what you want in order to identify the vital few. But, identifying what you want isn’t enough.
John believes, discipline, “The consistent application of mindsets and actions that are vital for success,” is essential.
Knowing what matters is the beginning. Doing what matters is the process.
People who make a difference, do what matters most, most of the time.
7 ways to find the vital few:
- Evaluate your use of time.
- Clarify goals.
- Establish focus.
- Embrace mindsets and actions that drive goals.
- Eliminate mindsets and actions that don’t drive goals.
- Delegate.
- Identify and eliminate time wasters.
(This list comes from my conversation with John Manning.)
The day before vacation:
Pretend you are leaving for vacation tomorrow. What will you do today?
John said we understand the vital few on the day before we leave for vacation. Think of how much you get done, the things you leave undone, and the jobs you delegate to others.
The things you do the day before you leave on vacation reflect the vital few – the 20% that drives 80% of your success.
“Never mistake activity for achievement.” John Wooden
What are you doing that doesn’t matter?
What would you do today, if you focused on the vital few?
Personal observation:
I found John Manning to be candid and insightful. His book, “The Disciplined Leader: Keeping the Focus on What Really Matters,” is practical and actionable.
I feel that putting a ‘leaving for vacation’ mindset would help get me in gear. Preparedness is always important and this scenario allows it to be made into a real world situation. Thank you for all your great columns.
This goes right along with JIm Loehr’s teaching around Ultimate Mission and identifying that to then make all other actionable decisions around. Embracing Mindsets that help you succeed by identifiying your best Private voice to do so and eliminating things that cost you energy! Great stuff, love to see people all saying similiar things!!
Love this! Doing for others IS usually why I do not get anything done!
A great insight: to think about the pressing matters you prioritize on your to do list before vacation. I am in this mode now preparing for time off, so this article comes at the perfect time to reclarify my focus.
“…we understand the vital few on the day before we leave for vacation.” Wow — what a clever and powerful way to distill the critical essence of our daily mission task list! That’s a keeper!!
This is essentially suggesting that all staff members of an organization have an “ownership” mentality. Think of business approaches the way an owner/CEO would and be more fully vested and accountable in the processes to net more favorable, across-the-board business outcomes. I like the part of this article that suggests we think of each day as if tomorrow was a vacation day.
I often find your post timely to something I am working through or struggling with. This particularly resonates with me for two reasons. First, I am evaluating what is that 20% as our organization goes through changes I have had to adjust what my focus is. Second, I am likely moving to a new organization and position in the next 30 days, give or take. This has really prompted me to evaluate what needs doing now. It is hard to fully grasp how to make a smooth transition for the next person coming into my job so important task have to take on a new life and definition.
Whay can’t we zero in on those actions that both help others and give us satisfaction? My least satisfying days are those where I feel as if I was not as effectiver as I could have been in helping my team move forward. My drive home is my personal self-diagnosis time and while I can usually find enough highs and lows from the day to get balance before arriving home, there are those days where the lows win unfortunately.
A complement to this article is Steve Pressfield’s “Do the Work” primer. wherein you allow chatter within yourself to interfere with the focus of your agenda.
As with your article we allow too much interference to interject itself, interrupting the focus of our agenda. That is as Pressfield says is “resistance” and that resistance is usually built from “fear” fear even of success as we acquiesce to something less; that’s not acceptance; its resignation
So “Focus”, learn to focus, interrupt the clutter that interferes with focus and enjoy the feeling of “getting it”
Prioritization is key. I keep a To Do List and am able to prioritize that way. Also, only checking emails a few times a day rather than checking every time you get a pop up saves time and keeps you on task.
I was JUST doing some work identifying my 20% last night! What timing. To do that identification, I kept on coming back to the mission. What matters is there in black and white; I just have to create mission-driven programs. It helped me clarify. Thanks, Dan!
This article caught me right at the beginning – I tend to focus on what matters to others. Hope I win the book…..
I really enjoyed the post, but also came away feeling like the advice was a little bit of a contradiction. As a servant leader, what is important to me is making sure that I am taking care of the needs of others. I know in my organization that that matters and where I focus my energies, so I’m sure you can appreciate why it seems to fly in the face of your advice even though I know it truly doesn’t.
The key is to spend our day on the 20% that matters most to the business…..not so much what matters to ourselves. Generally these are not aligned for most people. A test of this is whether we feel comfortable or uncomfortable. Only by chance would our 20% align with the company’s 20%. Thus putting up with discomfort is often required for success.
There’s that 80/20 rule again! It’s everywhere. Great post.
“Spending your day doing what matters to others, not to you”, gives insight to leadership style. Often that means the person is a controlling or micro-managing leader; that they haven’t encouraged or given responsibility to solve problems to others around them.
Great post!
80/20 rules everything.
This is one of the aspects of leadership that I have the greatest difficulty with, particularly in today’s world where we are required to do more with less. In particular, balancing the priorities of those we serve – customers and employees – on a daily basis with the work effort required of long-term investments in our cabilities.
Do less. Better. A small number of things done really well trumps an A-Z of skimming. For cravers of variety, here’s your reframe. Take your horizon and turn it through 90 degrees and then climb down or up it. There’s as much variety in the vertical and the rewards are infinitely better. And you complete stuff. There is no downside. 🙂
Stupidly Simple and direct, useful as always. Since every day is a vacation, I guess I should plan accordingly, right? Stepping back from the wagon on occasion to look for good ideas is also a good strategy, since our tendency is to repeat to repeat to repeat the same behaviors, which is a mindkiller. That generates little motivation as far as I am concerned, so choose to do what matters to you as your journey continues, but smell the roses, too.
love the intentionality to the important things not necessarily the urgent things. Can’t wait to read this book.
I personally like the quotation at the end of the article: “Never mistake activity for achievement.” John Wooden. It is important to realize that just because someone looks busy, it doesn’t equate to value & achievement. Just think of what we all could accomplish if everyone practiced just 2 or 3 of the “vital few” in the workplace everyday!
Whilst I like the concept and agree with the sentiment, working in a service industry means that you frequently end up doing things that your client wants whether you think they are value adding or not. Whilst over-achieving on the 20% is a definite plus, I have found that if you ignore the 80% the client will quickly become frustrated.
Thanks Ian. When you work in the service industry, what matters to others is what matters to you. 🙂
I was thinking exactly the same thing – sometimes what matters to others is what matters.
Everything about this post was spot on. When I reflect on how productive I was (or wasn’t rather) I realize how much I could have really accomplished. Looking forward to this read!
Thank you for your post (and everyone who left a comment). I am also going on vacation and make sure I am getting everything done. As a matter of fact, I spent the last couple weeks in preparation for this, and I have seen my levels of productivity increase. There is a verse that says “The lazy person craves, yet receives nothing, but the desires of the diligent are satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, ISV), and this speaks to me every time I need to focus and know that God rewards diligence. Have a blessed day everyone!
An overall great post (as are all of yours Dan). I got a lot out of this. A word that really resonates for me, and to me is the essence of it all is “discipline.” I know that when I am being disciplined, I am on top of my game, most effective, and doing what matters.
Good, timely advice. I’ve been frustrated by spending my time doing what matters to others versus what truly matters to me.
Knowing what is important before you start your work is crucial, Kind of like reading a map before start driving somewhere. “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there”. Work smarter, not harder.
I must admit I do some of best work during the vacation mode. This topic was a recent discussion with some colleagues. Using the “to do list” on a regular basis keeps me in the vacation mode most of the time.
Interesting tension between doing for others and for self. Serving fits that at times….
This is a great topic Dan! It is so easy to fall into a habit of doing what’s in front of us at the moment. The idea of ignoring the inflow of things & using the ‘going on vacation’ mental frame can really add focus on what’s important.
I like to start my day asking myself the question ‘what is the most important and impactful thing I can do right now’ – which lifts me out of the email and to-do lists to focus on the true, topmost items that really do matter. And guess what, it’s usually fairly easy to bring to mind those top two or three most important items. A fresh mind, a few minutes free of interruptions – can kick the day off nicely and build some positive energy by progressing your important work.
In the process, I try to remember to mix in some ‘do’ with ‘defining the work’, which would become the items that you delegate to others to perform. As a co-worker has commented, much of our day as leaders involves juggling and plate-spinning. Spend a few moments considering the important, move them forward, then enter the rapid-fire of the day is one approach. I have heard others comment they like to do the same ‘hit pause’ at the middle or end of the day, possibly even beginning or end of the week – whatever works for you!
To get things done is to feel a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction with performance. To help others grow professionally is to feel a sense of success. Doing what matters takes focus on both.
I struggle with this every hour of every day. Since the focus of my “job/calling” IS to serve others, deciding how to prioritize and fighting the “tyranny of the urgent” are critical. Since I need all of the help I can get, this article really helps in a very practical way. Many thanks.
Very True, I like the Pareto Priciple (8020 Rule)
I agree. If we treat every day like the day before vacations, we’d actually have time for more vacations!
My boss introduced me to the idea of “big rocks.” We agree on what big rocks we want to move forward each quarter, and every day, I evaluate what needs to be done to keep moving those big rocks forward. I have found that this helps combat procrastinating on the big tasks in favor of knocking out all the small daily tasks that need to be done, too. For me, tackling the big rocks early in the day ensures I have the appropriate time and brainshare to effectively work on moving them forward.
We live in a world that is full of interruptions and attention is at all times low. Setting priorities seems like a lost art. Finding what really matters and focusing on that is something individuals and organizations need to learn. I look forward to reading this book.
Great post as usual Dan! Love the ‘leaving on vacation’ idea!
When first reading this post I found myself reflecting on procrastination and the debilitating effect it can have on productivity.
But then I thought deeper about the vacation advice. Transferring it from a purely work related example to your whole life as a leader …. Think about tomorrow as possibly your last day in this world – what would you do, what would you leave, and what would you delegate.
Makes one think about what matters most in life !!
It’s not when your brain kicks into high gear-.Your brain has always had the potential focus. Its when your brain finally overpowers disjointed logic of prior preparation, focus, execution and using other constraints you imposed on yourself- the ” I got time I’ll get to it later” Putting pressure on yourself like that, time and again is exhausting and pummels creativity; and something is usually left on the table
Think of the creativity you’d have if you focused, gave yourself time to step back look at your completion, tweak a bit if Inspiration says “what about this I got time”
or
You jump into that next creative venture that has been tickling your cranium incessantly but Procrastination kept interfering.
I know I am more productive on a deadlines final moments. It’s when my brain kicks into high gear. It’s good to try and find ways to practice being in that mindset even when there is no pressing deadline.
Since I am just returning from vacation, those comments resonated with me. I left a post-it with the items to focus on when I returned and they were the 20%. I often remember the time management matrix- the urgent and popular will always take over the planning category- and when they get out of control it minimizes the planning/productivity. Great reminder to focus on this second half of the year.
“It’s tragic – even pathetic – to pour energy into things that matter to others, but not to you.” When I looked at my to-do list I realized that it was weighted more towards others than me. Time to adjust the list.
Good morning dan;
I’ll call my responce to todays blog; (Energy Conservation – 101).
Todays Leaders are faced with the same nagging question leaders
have struggled with in the past. “What are the task’s, or issues that
(absolutley require) the leaders presence, or, expertise.”
More and more is exspected of our present day leaders. Strategic
planning and scheduling separates good leaders from ‘Great’ ones.
Leaders not only CAN’T do everything, there is simply not enough
time in a day to even attempt.
(LEADERS), it’s up to YOU to determine where your skills, talents,
and guidance are required. WHATS MOST IMPORTANT IS WHERE
THE LEADER NEEDS TO BE.
Leaders that prioritize with Surgical Precision will find success, and
always be in demand. Leaders that can’t effectivley prioritize waste
company time and resources while expending precious personal
energy and effort. In the end, leaders who can’t prioritize or, determine
“whats the most important thing to do”, watch as the really important
issues and challenges suffer, and, or, go unresolved, ultimatley effecting
thier Organizations ‘Bottom-Line Revenue’.
No one ever said Leadership is easy, the fact is, ( IT’S NOT ! )
Leadership & learning will always be a life-long proccess,,,
BUT, once your through learning, ( YOU’RE THROUGH…)
Cheers Dan
SGT Steve
Being that I’m going on a 10 day vacation starting tomorrow, I am living the “what must I do before I leave” mode before I start my vacation. It certainly modifies my priorities for the day.
This is such an important concept. I am in education where with all of the accountability tasks, paperwork and constant interruptions from the outside, it is easy to get distracted, flit from task to task and then wonder where all your time went. Staying focused with the goal in mind helps not only yourself but also those we interact with daily.
Continuous improvement through reflection and learning is in my top 20% which is why I read your posts each morning. 🙂
Focus on the big rocks and not the gravel or noise! I absolutely have to schedule time to focus on getting my deliverables done otherwise the noise from random email, IM, office drop ins would consume the day! I would love to hang the sign that says “Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part” but it really does in my role and I have to decide priorities rapidly during the day.
Looking forward to reading John’s book!
What if what you feel matters does not line up with what the others you are dealing with feel is important. Obviously, there is a need for alignment. Possibly the book goes into this, but it may not be that easy to say do what matters to you. If you are not lined up with your boss, peers, family, whoever, problems are going to arise.
Prioritization is so key. Time is the only thing we can’t create more of. I find I can fritter away more time doing good things for the team that I don’t move the needle in big ways as much as I’d like.
So critical to eliminate or at least minimize the daily noise, interruptions and emails, etc that distract us from what really matters – great post!
As a working mom, I live in the world of “doing for others” before myself…But as a leader within a non-profit ministry, I will embrace the idea of working on tasks as though I were leaving for vacation. Of course, back in “mom-mode” means preparing for vacation with kids is triple the effort of a regular day! Thanks for the great posts – I appreciate each of them immensely!
in my last job, i focused too much on doing a lot of tasks at the same time to help the company as well as my team. i didnt prepare for what i really wanted, that is, to be promoted as manager. i was a leader, yes. but that was not all i wanted. we should all work smarter, not harder.
Wow-I really like the “I’m leaving for vaction tomorrow, what do I need to accomplish today?” tip. That type of thinking will definitely have an impact on productivity and will help me to reduce the times that I leave here thinking that I didn’t accomplish anything. The only thing better would be actually leaving for vacation tomorrow!
Evaluate, embrace, eliminate. Intentional living!
Hi, Dan, Today’s post made me think about my own priorities as I use my teacher planning period; I often don’t get my planning done, because I’ve focused on someone else’s priorities. I like the vacation-thinking idea to help keep focus on my own priorities. Thanks.
I try (not always successfully) to schedule focus on the 20% by setting aside time for myself, keeping it simple, and doing it early in the day. Then at the end of each week take a little more time to re-visit both how I did this week and look ahead and more broadly. Much of this borrowed from the GTD methodology. Great post today – it hit a nerve.
Great insight into what I’ve done with my time on those days where I didn’t feel that much was accomplished. Reviewing of long and short term goals at the beginning of each day will help me remain focused on doing what matters. Thanks for the article.
As I dig for my next step in work life, etc., focus on the vital few or first things keeps coming up. I don’t want to waste my short life doing things that matter little to me. Why would I wish to invest hours of any given day that way, either. Thank you for the nudge.
I love the focus on our priorities and raising our awareness so that we are not taking on the anxieties of others, and focusing on those things to which we truly feel called. It is important. I find in myself though, that the voice of “I didn’t get everything done today” has to do with my own self critical drive for productivity and unrealistic expectations. I also find that often “I didn’t get everything done today” because I WAS focusing on what really matters… and it may be more of my own need to let go of the “everything” that does not matter, and extend some self compassion in regards to the achievements as I seek to re-write the way I measure success based on the core of what really matters. Thanks for sharing.
Interesting information which is interesting to research and fun to talk about, typically, does not lead to actionable decisions. Consistently focusing on what is significant, why is it significant, and what can we do about it are critical questions which are often not asked but in the minds of those who listen to leaders brainstorm. Organizational culture must value a focused approach or diffusion of effort and resources abounds.
At some point, focus on what matters intersects with servant leadership, defining that intersection and making the correct decision and accurately shifting focus can be a challenge.
I learned this many years ago as I was working on my master’s degree in school administration that sticks with me anytime I become overwhelmed. As an educator my job is to do what is best for children. So when I get in those times with 50 million tasks to complete I stop for a moment and figure out what will impact students most and complete those tasks. Doing this seems to bring clarity and I find other tasks will fall inline as I complete those tasks that drive the work I do.
Ashley,
Thank you for your comment: “figure out what will impact students most and complete those tasks”. I also work in education as an analyst an professor, and reading your comment made me think on how to prioritize tasks. Thank you!
What an excellent post! I love the quote that included you have to know what matters most before you do what matters. Its just an other reminder that you have to constantly have your values and purpose intertwined into everything you do. Your purpose and values have to have a symbiotic relationship to your actions or you are simply not putting your money where your mouth is. The vacation component is also excellent reinforcement.
Doing what is the most difficult tends to be an issue for me. I enjoy completing the to do list of all the easy fun stuff. I put off the harder things and as I look over my to do list I have many items I carry over from day to day. These are the game changers I need to work on the ones which are the 80% of my success. These take time because they require thought not activity. I’m working on booking time on my schedule to just think. Great post!
Great topic today, I particularly like the vacation example to help bring this topic in to focus better. Being in the food service business I am always doing something for someone else so trying to balance when is my “me time” can be difficult but very necessary. Thank you for the daily post and look forward to them.
I love reading your posting on leadership each day as I mentor many young leaders in my community. Thanks for reminding me sometimes what I already know, teach me new things & say it so directly! I would love a book, hope I win!!!
Very good blog! Since our mindset is usually 80% of why people are successful, it should also go without saying that it’s also the reason why people fail. Also, very, very few people ever turn everything off. so their mind can rest and then think and be creative! Thanks for the post and a chance to win a copy of your book!
I was just preparing to do this type of review and stopped to read your blog. How timely! I like the vacation exercise since it is true I want to have everything in order before I’m out for vacation. That gives me a better focus. Thank you!
The new environment I am working in is moving at a million miles per hour and not having the ability to focus on a few tasks or that one thing I can do per day/week is getting very lost in the speed. Being able to read this information and gather the tools/strategies would aide me in delivering great service to my teams and also coach my team on the need for focus.
Embrace mindsets and actions that drive goals – That’s what I’m currently struggling with. I know what to do, but when tired and distracted its hard to follow through. Thanks for this helpful post
Staying focused is one of the biggest challenges in my current job. The distractions come from all directions. You have provided some great ideas to help me do better.
Thanks!
Working for a global company I find that the never ending incoming email that has become a big part of my world. It distracts me from what matters most as I race to try to take care of everyone else’s needs. I really, really, REALLY need this book.
I think focusing on Issues and not on people is what matters and helps to get good results
Knowing yourself and the need in others. Then “Prioritize until it hurts.” Be blessed!
Well, I’m leaving on vacation so maybe reading this blog is part of my essential 20% 🙂
I love this “vacation” mindset! Thank you for sharing this perspective.
I’m going to focus on this part “Pretend you are leaving for vacation tomorrow. What will you do today?” I often get bombarded with requests from others. Maybe this mindset will help me weed out the things I need to do vs the things others want me to do.
Its a culture or mindset that you plan on doing a mixture of things, some are operational which are the day to day things that have to be done; proactive items that are seen as investments that will help the organization moving forward; and relationships, keeping and developing them. We must juggle the vital few to contribute to all three.
Dan,
Thank you for the realignment of my focus. This quote, “People who make a difference, do what matters most, most of the time” gives articulation to my beliefs about success, consistency, and discipline. As a neophyte leader I will hold this teaching close.
All: What strategies have you found successful in maintaining a sharpened focus around the vital few?
I absolutely love reading your posts everyday, Dan.
I am leaving this comment just for the book 🙂 Keep the good words coming.
I always stop to think: does this push me forward? If so, I do it. Otherwise, I delegate!
I love this! I pretend like I’m going on vacation the next day when I feel like my plate is overwhelmingly full. Something about the mental stress engages all of my focus, and I’m able to really take a chunk out of the work. Great advice!
The seven ways to find the vital few are great! Much easier said than done, according to my experience. I (like so many others) really enjoy the “Day before vacation” tip. I will definitely use that one! Thank you as always, Dan! By the way, reading your posts would be on my “day before vacation” list!
Really great! Creating boundaries is important too. It’s easy to have your time sucked up.
Great post. Earlier this year I did the “Ideal week” exercise with Navigators and it was actually pretty interesting trying to sort out the 20 and 80 and prioritize things. The “day before vacation” analogy really helps with that process. Thanks Dan.
The delegate topic is where I usually lose the battle. When quick small things cross my desk I drop everything because it is something I can do that equates to a big win… for someone else, but unfortunately those 15 minutes are now minutes lost to “my” daily focus. If I were to move the task onto probably the right person to be working it, they become the hero and I will have retained my drive and focus on what really matters to the daily and future drive of my job and life.
I like the “day before vacation” concept. More importantly with my focus is to surround myself with good people. Staff that are capable and trained to get the job done. Therefore we can keep it simple. When we need to focus or refocus on our mission we have depth to our team so we can get the job done. Getting other views of the focus is better for no one by themself is as smart as every one working together.
The bottom line is dependable staff, capable staff, trustworthy staff makes your management work . . . managable! If you are a lone wolf, it is feast or famine. If you hunt with a pack of well trained staff your chances of getting the job done well is greatly increased and the stress is decreased. I support the team concept and keep it simple.
The ‘Day before vacation’ part is me this week….sort of. I leave for Orlando this week for our General Conference but it’s not really going to feel like vacation. Same principle though. So I’m meeting with our staff to go over details for this Sunday while I’m gone (I’m a campus pastor). All of our staff are volunteer, so delegation is important. I’ve also had to work to get past feeling bad for asking volunteers to do things on a Sunday that I get paid for. Needless to say, I have an amazing team.
Good article. Two keys to my success have always been focus and finish
Like the day before vacation thinking. That’s certainly one of the times when we’ll make efforts that are important!
Long range snipers/shooters hit their targets by zeroing in through a focused scope.
I like the comments: “The 20% that drives 80% of your success. The vital few are the actions that drive results that matter.” Very True! I would love to read this book.
Appreciate the reminder to focus, because too many of my days have been “tragic – even pathetic.” Too often have settled for activity over achievement.
So, perhaps the day before the vacation thinking is not only the high leverage,’ focused on what really’ matters style of thinking – it is also thinking done with a great big smile!
I love Leadership Freak.
I love the idea of a “3+ To Do List,” described in Sarah McKibben’s ASCD post here: http://inservice.ascd.org/a-to-do-list-worth-writing/
The idea is to limit oneself to three essential tasks for the day with two additional non-essential-if-time-permits action items at the end of the list. Using this, instead of my usual pages-long list, has helped me identify what really matters most on a given day and has helped me feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
Dear Dan,
A very interesting and thought-provoking post.
Liked the statement, ‘Knowing what matters is the beginning. Doing what matters is the process.’
We need to prioritize our work based on its importance bit in advance to ensure the right outcome at the end. One needs to develop this as a regular good habit and organize efforts in the right direction. This helps in our professional and personal lives. This can further be strengthened if we have the habit of maintaining a diary to get reminded on our priority work for the day. This helps us to remain well prepared to meet any challenges of life.
Appreciate these very brief important messages. I can read it quickly and it is to the point. I use to do lists and try to allocate time to tasks in my calendar b it get frustrated when I can’t get things done but I like the idea of recording what I do for others. Nice one!
This way of thinking has been powerful for me these last two years. I choose One Word to focus my leadership. Also, this year I started to write down my leadership agenda with the last section being a list of what is not on my agenda. It’s been very liberating to empower others and then step back from certain decisions because it is not on my agenda.
LOVE this line: When you end the day saying, “I didn’t get anything done today,” you spent your day doing what matters to others, not to you.
I love this whole concept in this post. Yes, the world we live in can be busy and demanding, but we can control that and direct our energies towards making an impact through being intentional. This was super helpful!
Interesting! I am transitioning from a support position to one of more leadership, and I am struggling with this. I’m still expected to be reactive, despite me trying to be proactive! Definitely going to try this approach.
Inspiration to develop a productive mindset each day to honor time and purpose. This excerpt generated a lot thinking for me.
Great and concise advice as always – thanks a lot!
Great insight that I will pass on to a few key people that need to visualize this.
Extremely timely post!
Why pretend? Just do. 🙂
I love the idea of noting what I focus on the day before vacation as a key step in identifying the vital few. It is an idea I can put into practice next week. I am also eager to read the book.
I totally agree with this article. We’re in the midst of a reorg brought on by a merger. Too many activities that don’t move forward on what matters. Determining what does matter is not always easy. I really like the “vacation” mode guidance
Great post and lots of really important comments. I am learning so much about my time and how in some ways my each and every day is doing what matters to others! Time to do something about that!
Love the idea of “going on vacation” to put priorities into perspective. Thanks!
Avoiding procrastination has been my technique to keep focused and ensure vital tasks get done. Completing the “20%” as early in the day / week / month / year as possible keeps me caught up and provides some “wiggle room” when unavoidable delays or diversions occur. Operating in a “crisis management” catch-up mode burns folks up and wears them out, and distorts priorities . Great post and comments!
Very effective suggestions for leaders who must manage their own mindset and actions to inspire those around them. I would add avoid people whose attitudes and actions don’t match your vision and goals, at least as much as is possible
A perfect post for me to see. I have been feeling really unfocused lately, both personally and professionally.
Great stuff as always
Great article. Streamlining your focus on what’s important will definitely make all the difference in running your business successfully.
Good Morning! I happened to come across this post when I was busy looking for an email from my son’s psychologist (and I needed to update her on his eating this weekend) AND find a receipt for a conference I am going to that I need to turn in to my principal AND get the lunch out of the microwave AS I was listening to the dryer so I can pack the 4 kids’ swim bags for a trip to the pool … where … I … can … relax … for a few hours.
This post made me seriously pause, with eyes wide open. I am a special education teacher for Gifted/Learning Disabled children, I have 4 beautiful children with ADHD (ages 11, 8, 8 and 5), I have a dog with high anxiety, and a heart full of spirit, meaning I keep myself very busy and engaged in many organizations that support my kids unique needs … however, I don’t feel I can stop or breathe or focus. If I stop to breathe, won’t I be left behind? Will I be part of the fight for the kids? Will I keep up with the Joneses and all the summer activities (reading! writing! math!) that I should be doing so my children are perceived as smart enough, good enough when school starts again??? You see the flaw in this, right?!?!
I have a new journal (it was supposed to be for that book I was going to write this summer!!!!!) but I will now take these question prompts and do some serious reflection at the pool this afternoon.
Finding and streamlining your energy to what truly matters requires an incredible amount of courage, conviction, and something else I need to find (or realize).
Thank you for this blog, and thanks for the thinking!!!!!!
This quote can take up a whole blog post! “Establish mindsets and actions that drive goals.” Just thinking about what is important is not enough…the proof is in the actions. Mindsets drive actions. Sometimes it’s easier to respond to the urgent stuff. Identifying the important requires active decision-making and commitment.
Your posts are so timely. I am an elementary principal who reads all your posts. Some people believe that education should not follow a business model of leadership. I truly believe that leadership is leadership.
Funny, I’ve spent my life focusing on what matters to others. I do believe there is a nice balance of focusing on others and focusing on you. You just have to find it!
Such a powerful post. The 7 ways to find the vital few is now on the wall in my office. So now I just need to start each day pretending I’m going on holiday tomorrow. What a great way to set short term goals and focuses for what needs to be achieved, what can wait until another day and what can be delegated to others. Time to re-evaluate my daily tasks and establish what really matters to me!
There is a growing movement working to build organizations and the culture needed to make ownership more than an attitude but a structural reality. From my experience it is a long and exciting journey to building “owner mind” especially for people not raised to be traditional owners.
Oh my goodness, this fits my life to a tee! I need to read this book!
Your comments regarding mindset are powerful. Mindset: gives you the power to accomplish whatever you need or want to!!
I need to print this out and keep it in view at all times. It is so easy to focus on the small task that seem to grow into large issues due to someone else’s priorities. I love the suggestion in the comments to ask myself every morning “what is the most important and impactful thing I can do right now?”.
This was extremely helpful. I am sharing this with my team!
The vacation principle is a fantastic analogy for living within day tight compartments which Dale Carnegie helped coin. It also reminds me of Steve Jobs’ daily ritual of looking in the mirror and making sure the work he was to complete that day is approached as if it were his last day on earth.
Another important factor is not procrastinating. I refer to the 20/80 rule as knowing what’s important vs. urgent. Great read!
Going to meeting time wasters is one of the most critical components to me in managing my schedule, and focusing on what really matters . It’s too easy to get caught up in the things that are important to other people that you lose sight of the things that are important to you .
Working in a church setting a large portion of my job is being able to establish goals and priorities for the department in keeping with the bigger vision.