Tyranny of the Urgent Blog

Time............where does it go?

Have you ever finished the day and nothing is marked off your "to do" list. Do you ever wish there were more hours in the day? Do you sometimes feel like you spend all your time putting fires out?

If so, you are not alone. Charles E. Hummel is author of a short book titled "Tyranny of the Urgent." Mr. Hummel was told once by a friend "Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important." He further explains that "We live in constant tension between the urgent, and the important."

How do we resolve this issue that affects everyone not only in the business world but in their spiritual life, home life, and social life? The solution is a matter of priorities. I know it is easier said than done but if we focus on our true priorities – we will better be able to accomplish the important things and not allow the urgent things rule our lives.

Let's consider what our priorities are at Catamount Funding? Our first priority is our customers. As with any business – customers are the lifeblood. No business exists without customers. We should focus on helping the customer meet their cash flow needs while providing prompt and professional service.

Secondly, we need to plan on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. A former President of DuPont once commented "One minute spent in planning saves three to four minutes in execution." I try to take time on Friday afternoon to plan the major tasks for the next week. Try it and I think you will find on Monday morning you are better able to focus on what is important that week.

At the same time you can take the Friday afternoon time and evaluate what was accomplished, what hindered your accomplishments, and how to avoid the "tyranny of the urgent" if things did not go as you planned. Critical and honest evaluation is always a good thing.

Can these same principles be considered and utilized in other areas our lives? I believe so. Just consider the following questions:

• What are the priorities of my spiritual life?
• Does my family know what my priorities are for them?
• Can my friends count on me when needed?

Life is a journey. Let's focus on the priorities that matter and look forward to the results.