| There are two ways to start your day. The first | | | | You have gathered up the information required to |
| is to dive in; tackling whatever is in front of you. | | | | plan your day, you know what you have to do, |
| You might check your emails. This is an interesting | | | | and are already planning it in your mind. You don't |
| beginning as it is always possible something fun | | | | have to worry about forgetting something |
| and new came in since you last looked.Next thing | | | | important.4. On a clean sheet of paper, or index |
| you know you are deeply involved, answering all | | | | cards, prioritize 10 -15 things you intend to |
| your mail. Some messages require thought; | | | | accomplish before the end of the day. Be realistic. |
| others require action, either research, interaction | | | | You will not be able to do much more than this. |
| with others, or decision making. It is natural to | | | | From the 10-15 highlight 4 or 5 items that are |
| attempt to take care of these mails, as they are | | | | important-but-not urgent and critical to your long |
| right in front of you. You feel hungry, look up and | | | | term goals. Prioritize these items first, and then |
| it is mid morning. You have just spent a quarter | | | | follow with the remaining items in some sort of |
| of your day dealing with emails!Another scenario is | | | | order. Put an estimated time to complete each |
| firefighting. Firefighting is the act of facing and | | | | item beside it. At the end of the day, your review |
| finding quick fix solutions for all the emergency | | | | of what got done and the actual time it took will |
| situations that seem to be coming at you from | | | | be a great education and experience for future |
| unknown sources. These urgent problems can also | | | | planning. With practice, this skill will serve you |
| eat up an alarming amount of your work day.Let's | | | | well.5. Now do one of your highlighted tasks, |
| look at an alternative method of beginning your | | | | preferably one you enjoy.You have now spent |
| day. First, remember that this day is a gift. You | | | | approximately 90 minutes of your day. You have |
| have the choice what to do with it. Why not | | | | achieved a step towards your 3-5 year plan. |
| choose to do the important -but-not urgent tasks | | | | (Imagine what a constant daily step towards your |
| first? These are the tasks that will advance your | | | | goal will produce!) You know how your day will |
| life goals, and ensure success for you as you | | | | play out (for the most part), and you are |
| have defined it. If you do not prioritize and do | | | | comfortable knowing you have not missed |
| these tasks first, you will almost certainly fail to | | | | anything of importance.If you begin to do the |
| do them.Here is how.1. Define where you want to | | | | important-but-not urgent items on a daily basis, |
| be in 3-5 years. Now list the steps it will take to | | | | you will find less urgent items surprising you. The |
| get you there. Break these steps down into | | | | feeling and knowledge of achievement will be |
| yearly goals, then monthly and finally weekly. | | | | encouragement for you to continue to strengthen |
| Take the time to plan your life!2. At the beginning | | | | your skills in this area.There you have two ways |
| of your day, pull out your weekly goals. What will | | | | to begin your day. Your choice!Your Coach and |
| you do today to advance your weekly goal? List | | | | online friend,Miami PhillipsHelping others find their |
| this (these) tasks.3. Scan your emails - don't read | | | | path - and stay on it. |
| them! You will get bogged down! Also, scan your | | | | of the WeekGive me a stock clerk with a goal |
| phone messages, faxes inbox and anywhere else | | | | and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give |
| you receive communication. The goal is to get an | | | | me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock |
| idea of what new items will require your attention | | | | clerk.J. C. |
| today.You have spent 30-45 minutes of your day. | | | | |