Why Do You Do It?
Seth Godin wrote a great post here. He discusses the “important” vs. the “urgent.” A critical decision in all of our lives. It is a conversation I have with clients fairly regularly. I have two things that need to be done, which do I do?
I have not been writing posts for a while (sorry for those who have noticed.) However, it is because I have been attending to other matters. I have had a few ask me why? My answer, in a nutshell, is important vs. urgent.
We are often in situations where we have to do something. It is urgent. Return a call. Handle a fire. Meet a deadline. The list goes on. While there are many things that will come up, and need urgent attention; there are more that can be avoided by focusing on the important.
I am currently building a store. I have just opened it in October. As with all new stores, the critical element is getting business up to speed so the store is making enough money that it can survive. This work is important. Entrepreneurs are in this position pretty consistently.
I have chosen to focus on that, and my family. Those things are important to me. I feel strongly that I practice what I preach. Those are the things I value. When I do the important things with my new store, I will see it grow. I hire good people and train them well. I make sure that I have the operating capital that I need to pay the bills. I have been spending time out meeting with potential clients. All important. Why do I do this? To avoid the “urgent.”
I don’t get the urgent phone calls (much) from my staff. They know what to do. My sales are growing thanks to marketing and going out meeting with those who may need my services. I am less concerned about the urgent, “I need money.” I made sure to open with operating capital so I am not out making bad choices so I have money immediately. I can make the rent.
You will have the urgent, the unforeseen, and the critical. However, the more you do that is important, the less will crop up as urgent. Do work that you love, and you will love to do it. You won’t have to be forced to do you job, you won’t ignore the important. You will do it because you like to do it.