Power Play: Don’t let the urgent crowd out the important

This is the type of wisdom they should tattoo to your forehead (or arse) at birth.

Every Power Player worth their weight knows this one by heart. On any given day there will be a “to-do” list a mile long. Great Power Players never let the urgent crowd out the important.

Power Players also know that compulsive list makers should spend time making less lists and more time getting stuff done. And the stuff that usually needs to get done is a short list. Two to three important things that will make all the difference, as opposed to 15 “urgent” things that won’t make a lick of difference in the long run.

Knowing how to tell the difference between the two is the trick and after some practice, Power Players know how to tell the urgent from the important. Important sets the project’s compass in the right direction. The urgent is simply white noise.

Keep practicing this one on a daily basis. It will save you anguish. It will save you time. It will save your sanity. Don’t let the urgent crowd out the important.