Habits of Execution vs. the Illusion of Being Busy

Category: Time Management, Productivity, Getting Results

It’s all about habits…

Habits of execution vs. the illusion of being busy

Are you in the “habit” of getting things done….getting the right things done at the right time? One of the marks of an effective professional is the ability to get things done.

At the end of last year, USA Today surveyed several freshman senators and house members to find out what piece of advice they would give incoming colleagues.  Interestingly, over half of those whose advice was recorded in the article addressed the issue of time management, scheduling, etc.

In working with time management, here are two important words to consider – efficient and effective.  In fact…

1. You can be efficient and not necessarily be effective.

2. Effective is getting the right things done at the right time.  For example, you can get a lot done in a week and still have critical activity fall through the cracks.

3. Being effective means one has to take the time to PLAN and determine what’s most important what’s critical or ABSOLUTE.

The conclusion?...they are equally important. So, BE KNOWN as someone who gets things done and how do you do that?...by creating the needed habits.

So ask yourself, what new habits do I want to create to manage my time and life better?

Also, recognize that a habit takes at least 21-30 days to create. That’s the shortest period only if you are consistent in the attempt.  It will take longer if you are not consistent.

Remember, a true habit is one in which the behavior is done automatically without even having to think about it.

Habit – Your Constant Companion

“I am your constant companion; I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.  I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.  I’m completely at your command. 

Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.  I am easily managed.  You must merely be firm with me. 

Show me exactly how you want something done and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great men and alas of all failures as well. Those who are great, I have made great.  Those of you who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine although I work with all the precision of a machine plus the intelligence of a man.  You may run me for profit or run me for ruin.  It makes no difference to me.  Take me, train me, be firm with me and I’ll put the world at your feet.  Be easy with me and I will destroy you.  Who am I?  I am HABIT!”