Start Your Day At the Finish Line

Why is it so hard to complete our tasks?   With the best intentions, we start off the day hoping to polish off a list of important to-dos.  By midday we've been thrown off with phone calls, unexpected errands and our own inability to flee from distractions. 

Studies quoted in the Wall Street Journal claim the typical professional handles more than 170 interactions in one work day. Success Principles guru Jack Canfield says our brains just can't process all the unfinished business we face in a typical day.

Time management expert John Maxwell advises that we start off our day in the right place . . . with a vision to finish our tasks. 

Maxwell describes race car drivers who compete to place their cars in a certain position on the track before a race even begins.  Drivers  know that that best spot is  pole position.  If you're in pole position, you don't need to pass other cars to win.  Just hold your place as leader and you'll win the race.

The way to finish well is to start out strong.  However, to stay in front during a 500 mile race, any good driver knows you cannot lose focus and forfeit the lead position.

Why We Lose Focus on Finishing 

•We convince ourselves we don't have the time.  Mostly, our issue is not lack of time, but the task is just not important to us.  So we shuffle the uncompleted task to the bottom of the pile.  To make ourselves feel better we rationalize, "I don't have the time."

•We are indecisive on how to begin.  The biggest obstacle to writing a difficult letter is that  we're at a loss for words.  The same goes for looking for a job.  We can't get started because the resources are overhwelming or we believe we'll never find a job. 

•We always find something else to do instead.  Before I organize the papers on my desk, I need file folders and file tabs. I'll go the office supply store for these items, and on the way, I'l pick up my dry cleaning and go to the ATM.  Before you know it, it's time for lunch. 

How to Finish At The End of the Day

John Maxwell offers an easy-to-use plan he calls "the bookends of success."

•We start off every day with a workable game plan. Each morning should be protected from distractions and interruptions.  Don't check your email; put your cell phone on silent.  Avoid using the mornings to figure out how you'll write a novel or save up for your dream house. Rather, narrow your focus to the next 24 hours.

Maxwell advises we ask, "Just for today, how can I be a success?" Using this method, you're placing a premium on the day before you.

Jack Canfield advocates we use our energy to fix and organize the things that nag at us.  It's hard to do much when we're surrounded by reminders of all the unfinished things that keep us down.

•We finish off in the evenings with a period of reflection.   By taking the time to reflect, I transform my day's experience into a learning opportunity.  I can also check up on the goals I set forth during the morning, see where I succeeded and evaluate what tasks I need to revisit the next day. 

•We find a way to include relaxation every day.  Success includes time to refuel by doing something that puts you into a positive state of mind.  For me, I enjoy exercising, playing the piano or enjoying a film with my family.  We all need some activity that reminds us how good it is to be alive.

If you fail to choose how you spend your time, you'll surrender control of your schedule to whatever interruptions or distractions happen to fall into your lap.  Find a way to live each day with purpose . . . your pole position.

John
Email John: johnsblog@teshmedia.com

For more information on how to be a successful person, read my new book Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lesson For Personal Growth.  You can purchase my book at your local bookstore or on line at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Another radio listener shares here thoughts about Intelligence For Your Life:

John: I just received your new book in the mail. I am already almost done reading it. I am finding it hard to put it down to go to bed at night or to attend school on Monday and Wednesday evenings. I am finding the health section very helpful. Keep up the great work. I also love your Alive DVD. That is an amazing concert. Thanks.   

Margaret