I have discovered that I get the most done whenever I have the least amount of time available! It’s strange but true, that whenever I’m convinced that there is just not enough time to do the many things that are on my get-done-now list, it all somehow gets done, even with time to spare. I’m sure that this is because there is some mechanism inside me that sees the tasks and then mentally blocks out everything but what must be done. It used to be that I would experience this in certain high-focus seasons of the year, but now I experience it almost year-round as opportunities present themselves and new and creative projects fall at my feet. When people ask me, “How’s it going?” I seldom answer with concern for how many different things I’ve got going, because everyone who has spent any time with me knows that I am happiest when I am busiest and living a life of one thing after another. That is what really turns me on. I’ve said a thousand times, “I don’t sit still very well!” This is true both physically and mentally…I’m virtually always doing something.
Now, before some of you jump in and proclaim that I am seriously unbalanced in my life, hear me out. There is an old adage that states, ‘If you want something done, ask someone who is already busy.” There is real truth in that statement, because it seems that the people who are the busiest are the ones who have the highest capacity in their focus and strength to take on the important things that come up in life. Somehow they get it all done and thrive in the process, all the while benefiting those around them.
Leaders, I mean great leaders, typically have this ability. Their way of doing things includes the ability to focus on the right things at the right times for the right reasons, and they have the personal discipline to use their time in a manner that clearly shows what tasks and causes have priority in their personal and professional life. Leaders and achievers do the things that need to be done and don’t allow themselves to get sidetracked doing the least important things. You might say, “But I get distracted so easily. I mean to do the right things, but then…squirrel!” You may not like it when I say this, but that’s no excuse for not being a good leader and learning how to discipline yourself. Leaders know how to focus, even if their natural tendency is to be easily distracted. There are all kind of books out there that can help you learn to use your time well and to focus on priorities, but it is up to you to decide to be that disciplined. No one can do it for you. If you want to be a great leader of people, you have to learn how to be able to do many things all at once and then add one more thing, when the right one more thing arises. You can do it.
Lead well.