Weekly Thought – September 17, 2024
Fred masterfully grasped his priorities. He never bought into the busyness philosophy of executive life. Consequently, he accomplished his mission without adopting a frantic lifestyle. In writing about time he considered temptations that derailed effective living.
Time Killers
Sometimes we can outwit ourselves in the war for time. I’ve noticed three temptations that pull us aside.
1) Procrastination. If I ever get around to it, I am going to run for President of the National Procrastination Society. The problem is I just haven’t gotten around to it. An executive startled me once by saying he wasn’t taking his briefcase I asked why. “Well, I analyzed my work, and all day long I was sorting papers to take home at night. I found out I might as well just go ahead, make decision, and stop sorting papers.” A lot of procrastination is based on our fear of action. In Texas we have an apt expression for this: “fixin’ to.” Avoiding a wrong decision, or failure makes some assume the over preparer role. Exhaustion without results is a waste of time and energy.
2) Rationalization. Trying to prove to yourself you weren’t wrong kills time. I would be so much better to say, “I messed up.” As a speaker it is tempting to blame a bad speech on the crowd. But it wasn’t the fault of the audience; I just wasn’t on. How much easier and time saving that would be. Accepting full responsibility allows learning to occur. Shifting blame is a foolish exercise. Mary Alice and I often reminded the children “when you point your finger at someone else to take the blame you have four fingers pointing back at yourself.” Own the mistakes.
3) Indecision. I once knew an executive who had a sign on his desk: THE DEFINITE ANSWER IS MAYBE. He worked unbelievable hours. Instead of making decision he wandered around the office talking to people about the decision delaying and often falling into the pit of maybe. My mentor, Maxey Jarman once said to me, “Fred, many people can make good decisions, but they won’t.” I see this in those who don’t want to put their egos on the line.
Besides these three temptations let me mention two self-destructive tendencies:
1) Too many sick days. Whether through bad habits, avoiding responsibility, or a mistaken definition of self-care, sick days are costly for those wanting to be productive.
2) Financial problems. Failing to delay gratification and getting into debt are definite hindrances to full concentration.
Time management is a critical element of a healthy, productive life. Discipline and self-control are key factors.
This week seriously consider: 1) Which of the three temptations troubles me? 2) When do I fall into the self-destructive habits? 3) Who models healthy productivity for me?
Words of Wisdom: “In Texas we have an apt expression for procrastination: “fixin’to.”
Wisdom from the Word: “So he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation!”(Luke 22:46 NET Bible)