Build a Highly Effective Habit
Find Time for The Tasks That Whisper
Jan 16, 2009 Jennifer Harshman
People naturally want to be effective and important, to live a life of meaning. The need to leave some mark is widely believed to be universal.
Highly effective people, says Stephen Covey in his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, have certain practices that ineffective people do not. One difference Covey highlights is that ineffective people live in crisis mode, always rushing from one pressing and important (quadrant one) situation to the next, wearing themselves out in the process. Effective people have better control over their lives, spending less time on crises and more time on the things that are important but not urgent (quadrant two). This means they spend more time in the calmer quadrant two than they do in the stressful quadrant one.
Nagging Whispers Come From Neglected Tasks
In a world where the urgent tasks announce their presence loudly, demanding to be done or else, quadrant two tasks usually sit in the background, occasionally whispering, “You really should exercise,” or “It’s important to spend time with your family.” Most of the time, if a quadrant two task doesn’t get done, the world doesn’t crumble, but the person’s quality of life suffers – quietly. Sometimes, however, quadrant two items can become urgent, thus becoming quadrant one items. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey uses the example of neglected health that can lead to a heart attack – a very urgent problem. Being effective means addressing quadrant two items proactively.
The Important Things in Life Don't Happen Magically
Moving from crisis mode living to more effective living does not happen by accident; it is an intentional process. Creating a more effective life with fewer crises to manage requires plotting and following a fairly specific course of action, but it doesn't have to be complex.
If a person wants to move into quadrant two living, that person must purposefully make the time for those whispering tasks. Deciding, prioritizing, and defending that time for that task are all necessary in order for Q2 tasks to happen. Quadrant one tasks will arise – life always has its surprises – but one can become more effective by purposefully planning and making time for those tasks that are truly important yet not pressing.
Making Time for the Important Things in Life Isn't Complicated
The shift can begin by taking just a few minutes to make a list. The list should consist of things that are important but not urgent – things that are likely being neglected at the moment. Adding one item to each week’s list of tasks is manageable. One relationship-building “date” with a friend is easy enough to put on this month’s calendar. Deciding that some fresh air is more important than grabbing a greaseball at lunchtime makes room for exercise.
These three steps are a good start toward spending more time in quadrant two. Habits take time to form, but taking steps like these on a regular basis will build this habit and will lead to a better life. For more information, see Moving From Crisis Mode, or Stephen Covey's book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
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