Comments on: Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html Intentional Leadership Sat, 26 May 2012 13:45:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Business Planning Meets Practical Reality | ExperiencePros Blog | Customer Service Expert and Consultants. http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-128869 Business Planning Meets Practical Reality | ExperiencePros Blog | Customer Service Expert and Consultants. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:44:41 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-128869 [...] however, there is a major disconnect between our long-term goals and our every day reality.  The tyranny of the urgent tends to cause a reactionary process, burying any hope of ever really reaching the established [...] [...] however, there is a major disconnect between our long-term goals and our every day reality.  The tyranny of the urgent tends to cause a reactionary process, burying any hope of ever really reaching the established [...]

]]> By: The Tyranny of the Urgent | The Monday Monologue Podcast http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-128823 The Tyranny of the Urgent | The Monday Monologue Podcast Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:44:46 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-128823 [...] Michael Hyatt, one of my favorite bloggers, recently wrote on this subject. [...] [...] Michael Hyatt, one of my favorite bloggers, recently wrote on this subject. [...]

]]> By: Joshua Hood http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-82734 Joshua Hood Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:51:00 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-82734 Isn't it tragic how in our stress and desperation, we often overlook the simplest of solutions and action-steps? Making an "Appointment with Myself". May look odd on the calendar, but it sure is effective. Joshua Hood 2020visiononline.org Isn’t it tragic how in our stress and desperation, we often overlook the simplest of solutions and action-steps? Making an “Appointment with Myself”. May look odd on the calendar, but it sure is effective.

Joshua Hood
2020visiononline.org

]]> By: The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (July 2010) | Dad in the Middle http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-59670 The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol (July 2010) | Dad in the Middle Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:06:39 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-59670 [...] Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent [...] [...] Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent [...]

]]> By: Top Posts for July 2010 http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-59656 Top Posts for July 2010 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:29:37 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-59656 [...] Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent [...] [...] Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent [...]

]]> By: genwhirl http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-59193 genwhirl Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:58:55 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-59193 This is great! I've been reading "Time Power" by Charles Hobbs, which inspired a very similar principle as "scheduling time to work." It's already made an impact on my work week, and I'm looking forward to implementing your practical calendar meeting. Thanks! This is great! I've been reading "Time Power" by Charles Hobbs, which inspired a very similar principle as "scheduling time to work." It's already made an impact on my work week, and I'm looking forward to implementing your practical calendar meeting. Thanks!

]]> By: Priority Management « Reganomics 101 http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58960 Priority Management « Reganomics 101 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:35:47 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58960 [...] recently read an excellent blog post by Michael Hyatt on the topic of “Avoiding the Tyrrany of the Urgent” and it really encouraged me.  Several of his “tips” were already in my [...] [...] recently read an excellent blog post by Michael Hyatt on the topic of “Avoiding the Tyrrany of the Urgent” and it really encouraged me.  Several of his “tips” were already in my [...]

]]> By: Forrest Long http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58837 Forrest Long Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:52:39 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58837 That's an excellent post and a good reminder of something so very important. Over the years in ministry I have learned the lesson of this reality, although I haven't always followed it. Years ago I read the statement which became a mantra for me and has helped me sort out demands- "The need is not the call." That's an excellent post and a good reminder of something so very important. Over the years in ministry I have learned the lesson of this reality, although I haven't always followed it. Years ago I read the statement which became a mantra for me and has helped me sort out demands- "The need is not the call."

]]> By: Mickey Hodges http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58661 Mickey Hodges Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:50:36 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58661 That's pretty much how I survived the last two years of college. I scheduled how much time it would take to study, blocked it out, and when the time was up, I closed my books and moved on. Really helps one focus. That's pretty much how I survived the last two years of college. I scheduled how much time it would take to study, blocked it out, and when the time was up, I closed my books and moved on. Really helps one focus.

]]> By: @pawelbrodzinski http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58540 @pawelbrodzinski Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:52:50 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58540 Actually I've the trick and it didn't work very well in my case. I think it depends a bit on company culture. Personally I prefer not to have scheduled meetings but to do a lot of informal discussions. And it of course works the other way around too. If I keep coming to different people in the team to discuss some they keep coming to me to talk about their issues. And even if my answer is "we'll talk in a half of hour" it is a distraction. Now, if I don't want to sacrifice this communication attitude, and I don't, I have to learn to work with disruptions. On the other hand I learned that I don't really need to schedule time for important office work. When there is something important to do I'm usually able to get into the flow and most of the time I don't even need a sense of urgency to do this. There's one more thing - no-meeting culture <a href="http://(http://blog.brodzinski.com/2009/11/how-to-reduce-number-of-meetings-to-one.html)" target="_blank">(http://blog.brodzinski.com/2009/11/how-to-reduce-number-of-meetings-to-one.html)</a> helps much since I don't have calendar filled with a number of meetings and can plan my office hours in a pretty elastic way. Actually I've the trick and it didn't work very well in my case. I think it depends a bit on company culture. Personally I prefer not to have scheduled meetings but to do a lot of informal discussions. And it of course works the other way around too. If I keep coming to different people in the team to discuss some they keep coming to me to talk about their issues.

And even if my answer is "we'll talk in a half of hour" it is a distraction. Now, if I don't want to sacrifice this communication attitude, and I don't, I have to learn to work with disruptions.

On the other hand I learned that I don't really need to schedule time for important office work. When there is something important to do I'm usually able to get into the flow and most of the time I don't even need a sense of urgency to do this.

There's one more thing – no-meeting culture (http://blog.brodzinski.com/2009/11/how-to-reduce-number-of-meetings-to-one.html) helps much since I don't have calendar filled with a number of meetings and can plan my office hours in a pretty elastic way.

]]> By: Chris Spradlin http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58539 Chris Spradlin Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:45:05 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58539 Great reminder Michael! Over the years I have learned that I need to schedule a couple of different blocks of time... 1st: Schedule intentional time to work "on" the business. 2nd: Schedule intentional time to work "in" the business. I'm a bit out of control right now, thanks for the reminder! Great reminder Michael! Over the years I have learned that I need to schedule a couple of different blocks of time…

1st: Schedule intentional time to work "on" the business.
2nd: Schedule intentional time to work "in" the business.

I'm a bit out of control right now, thanks for the reminder!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58538 Michael Hyatt Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:59:55 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58538 John, you will love this book. I am eating up every page! John, you will love this book. I am eating up every page!

]]> By: Mitch Ebie http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58537 Mitch Ebie Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:03:06 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58537 This sounds good....I am going to look into it. Thanks, John. This sounds good….I am going to look into it. Thanks, John.

]]> By: Mitch Ebie http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58536 Mitch Ebie Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:01:22 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58536 Great points! Since I am someone that currently works for myself, I have to be very intentional about scheduling time for work and for myself, otherwise I will not be productive. As you noted above, emails and social media can eat up lots of time. One trick that I have learned is to have an auto-reply on all emails that includes a FAQ list....this can cut down on some emails. Working from home can also cut down on wasted time, as driving in traffic is not productive. Also, I have learned over the years that work meetings can be a huge waste of time. So, either opt out of them if possible or make sure they are on task. Great points! Since I am someone that currently works for myself, I have to be very intentional about scheduling time for work and for myself, otherwise I will not be productive. As you noted above, emails and social media can eat up lots of time. One trick that I have learned is to have an auto-reply on all emails that includes a FAQ list….this can cut down on some emails. Working from home can also cut down on wasted time, as driving in traffic is not productive. Also, I have learned over the years that work meetings can be a huge waste of time. So, either opt out of them if possible or make sure they are on task.

]]> By: Don Ibbitson http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58533 Don Ibbitson Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:52:35 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58533 Like I'm sure many others in ministry, I have a book, or more, in my head but finding time to start getting it out of there and down on paper has been elusive. As you say, even urgent things can gobble up the time and I can do newsletters and blog posts kind of on the fly but have been unsuccessful with the book. Within the past two weeks, I have scheduled time on my calendar (4 or more hours at a stretch) to do nothing but work on the book. I've found that I need a deeper level of engagement than I can get in snatches of time and I've found that this type of window allows me to get more done. I'm believing that I will be able to be diligent enough to keep doing this. Like I'm sure many others in ministry, I have a book, or more, in my head but finding time to start getting it out of there and down on paper has been elusive. As you say, even urgent things can gobble up the time and I can do newsletters and blog posts kind of on the fly but have been unsuccessful with the book. Within the past two weeks, I have scheduled time on my calendar (4 or more hours at a stretch) to do nothing but work on the book. I've found that I need a deeper level of engagement than I can get in snatches of time and I've found that this type of window allows me to get more done. I'm believing that I will be able to be diligent enough to keep doing this.

]]> By: John Richardson http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58529 John Richardson Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:27:22 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58529 It actually divides an hour into an 80/20 percent configuration. Let me know how it works out for you. It actually divides an hour into an 80/20 percent configuration. Let me know how it works out for you.

]]> By: John Richardson http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58528 John Richardson Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:22:38 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58528 I've used it for over four years now and it really helps you get big projects done. I've used it for over four years now and it really helps you get big projects done.

]]> By: John Richardson http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58527 John Richardson Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:20:54 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58527 I've heard about this book. I'll have to pick up a copy. I've never heard the term surge/recovery, but that is certainly what the 48 minute model works out to be. I've heard about this book. I'll have to pick up a copy. I've never heard the term surge/recovery, but that is certainly what the 48 minute model works out to be.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58524 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:33:26 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58524 It’s a great book. Timeless! It’s a great book. Timeless!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58523 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:32:59 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58523 I think people in ministry particularly struggle with this. It’s probably true for any one in the “helping people” business. I think people in ministry particularly struggle with this. It’s probably true for any one in the “helping people” business.

]]> By: Jeannie http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58522 Jeannie Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:32:08 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58522 Love this suggestion. I am going to try the 48 minute formula. Thanks! And thanks to Mr. Hyatt for starting the conversation - very "timely"! Love this suggestion. I am going to try the 48 minute formula. Thanks! And thanks to Mr. Hyatt for starting the conversation – very "timely"!

]]> By: An update and some items of interest « ShaneHart.net http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58521 An update and some items of interest « ShaneHart.net Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:28:57 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58521 [...] Yes, indeed. Imagine actually doing your work—at work, rather than dragging it home to do in the evenings. (read the rest at Michael Hyatt’s blog here) [...] [...] Yes, indeed. Imagine actually doing your work—at work, rather than dragging it home to do in the evenings. (read the rest at Michael Hyatt’s blog here) [...]

]]> By: Scoti Domeij http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58520 Scoti Domeij Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:18:23 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58520 Having grown up in a minister's home, it took me years before I blocked nonnegotiable time for work. Ministry is meeting the needs of people, right? I felt guilty not responding to their urgency. Now I block out time on my calendar. When people want to make an appointment, I say, "Oh that won't work for me, I have an appointment." I neglect to mention it's with myself. I cared for a precious, severely disabled man for four years in my home. He LOVED "The Price Is Right." And invariably PT and his caseworkers insisted on making appointments with him at 10 AM. So I finally, started telling them, "Oh he has an appointment from 10-11 AM." I'm sure they wouldn't have appreciated it if they knew the "appointment" was Bob Barker. Having grown up in a minister's home, it took me years before I blocked nonnegotiable time for work. Ministry is meeting the needs of people, right? I felt guilty not responding to their urgency. Now I block out time on my calendar. When people want to make an appointment, I say, "Oh that won't work for me, I have an appointment." I neglect to mention it's with myself. I cared for a precious, severely disabled man for four years in my home. He LOVED "The Price Is Right." And invariably PT and his caseworkers insisted on making appointments with him at 10 AM. So I finally, started telling them, "Oh he has an appointment from 10-11 AM." I'm sure they wouldn't have appreciated it if they knew the "appointment" was Bob Barker.

]]> By: ThatGuyKC http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58519 ThatGuyKC Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:05:07 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58519 Thanks for the great advice! It's astonishing how easy it is to allow others to drive the management of my time. Thanks for the great advice! It's astonishing how easy it is to allow others to drive the management of my time.

]]> By: BarbaraBoucher PTPhD http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58518 BarbaraBoucher PTPhD Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:46:30 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58518 I'm going to try your formula, John. Thanks! I'm going to try your formula, John. Thanks!

]]> By: BarbaraBoucher PTPhD http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58517 BarbaraBoucher PTPhD Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:44:23 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58517 Excellent advice and well said. Excellent advice and well said.

]]> By: tomraines http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58516 tomraines Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:36:47 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58516 Thanks, this is sooo timely. I have had three conversations of how I do NOT do this and stay completely in the Tyranny of the Urgent. I even pulled the booklet out to someone to make my point... and did NOT read it. I have just pulled it out and will read . TFTTGWD. I am going offline! Thanks, this is sooo timely. I have had three conversations of how I do NOT do this and stay completely in the Tyranny of the Urgent. I even pulled the booklet out to someone to make my point… and did NOT read it. I have just pulled it out and will read . TFTTGWD. I am going offline!

]]> By: Simon Hay http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58515 Simon Hay Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:26:08 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58515 I apply most of your advice to my life and writing. I shedule time for me. My career is social and emotion draining, so I have to create space for me to be productive in other areas. Thank you. I apply most of your advice to my life and writing. I shedule time for me. My career is social and emotion draining, so I have to create space for me to be productive in other areas. Thank you.

]]> By: Shelia http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58514 Shelia Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:13:05 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58514 As a mom, I have found this to be an essential practice. One thing I have discovered for myself is that I am more successful if I remove myself from the home. Perhaps this is because I am a coward and am too willing to cave if my children interrupt me. :) But, it also keeps me from being distracted by unwashed laundry or flowers I forgot to water. A remove to the library or my favorite pub insulates me simewhat from the "Resistance" (to use Steven Pressfield's word) that threatens to undo me. As a mom, I have found this to be an essential practice. One thing I have discovered for myself is that I am more successful if I remove myself from the home. Perhaps this is because I am a coward and am too willing to cave if my children interrupt me. :) But, it also keeps me from being distracted by unwashed laundry or flowers I forgot to water. A remove to the library or my favorite pub insulates me simewhat from the "Resistance" (to use Steven Pressfield's word) that threatens to undo me.

]]> By: brentfielder http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58513 brentfielder Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:56:45 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58513 I have done this - I just do not keep my word...to myself! I schedule a "weekly review" every week, but 75% of the time, something else seems more pressing...It has been a goal that I need to actually do and hold myself accountable too. Thanks Michael for your insight... Always! I have done this – I just do not keep my word…to myself! I schedule a "weekly review" every week, but 75% of the time, something else seems more pressing…It has been a goal that I need to actually do and hold myself accountable too.

Thanks Michael for your insight… Always!

]]> By: Ben Lichtenwalner http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58512 Ben Lichtenwalner Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:49:58 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58512 Thanks for sharing Justin - I think you made a great point though - although you may not be doing a great job to date, at least you 1: Have your priorities right (still making time for the family) and 2. Are recommitting to this now. I know I've not always been good at it, but like you, made sure I had the right priorities. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for sharing Justin – I think you made a great point though – although you may not be doing a great job to date, at least you 1: Have your priorities right (still making time for the family) and 2. Are recommitting to this now. I know I've not always been good at it, but like you, made sure I had the right priorities. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58511 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:45:16 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58511 These are really excellent suggestions, Ben. Where were you last night when I was writing this?! These are really excellent suggestions, Ben. Where were you last night when I was writing this?!

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58510 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:44:24 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58510 You might find that they are related. Just a thought. ;-) You might find that they are related. Just a thought. ;-)

]]> By: Ben Lichtenwalner http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58509 Ben Lichtenwalner Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:41:44 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58509 Scheduling time to get work done is important for everyone - but especially those in leadership positions. If we do not make time to get our work done, we become "too busy to lead". If our calendars are full and we work into the evenings, we do not have time for the impromptu questions from the team. Some additional tips that helped me (I think I even got some of these from you, Michael): 1. Make sure your assistant knows how important this time is and when it can not be moved 2. Use an acronym, (Mine is TFBTGWD - Time For Ben To Get Work Done), so anyone w/ access to your calendar does not assume you are available 3. Schedule this time when you are most creative (for me it's the mornings), whenever possible 4. Try to maintain the same times each week, so your team can plan around it This is more great information, Michael. Thank you for sharing. Scheduling time to get work done is important for everyone – but especially those in leadership positions. If we do not make time to get our work done, we become "too busy to lead". If our calendars are full and we work into the evenings, we do not have time for the impromptu questions from the team.

Some additional tips that helped me (I think I even got some of these from you, Michael):
1. Make sure your assistant knows how important this time is and when it can not be moved
2. Use an acronym, (Mine is TFBTGWD – Time For Ben To Get Work Done), so anyone w/ access to your calendar does not assume you are available
3. Schedule this time when you are most creative (for me it's the mornings), whenever possible
4. Try to maintain the same times each week, so your team can plan around it

This is more great information, Michael. Thank you for sharing.

]]> By: Gary Schneider http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58508 Gary Schneider Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:41:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58508 Offline for me includes silencing the cell phone and putting the telephone on "do not disturb" as well. Thanks for reminding us that this takes discipline and planning. Offline for me includes silencing the cell phone and putting the telephone on "do not disturb" as well. Thanks for reminding us that this takes discipline and planning.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58507 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:39:34 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58507 This surge/recovery model is dead-on. Tony Schwartz provides the science behind it in his fantastic book, <em><a href="1439127662" rel="nofollow">The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working</a></em>. I highly recommend it. This surge/recovery model is dead-on. Tony Schwartz provides the science behind it in his fantastic book, The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working. I highly recommend it.

]]> By: John Richardson http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58506 John Richardson Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:22:01 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58506 This is one of the most powerful things a person can do. I personally use a 48 minute time block, and then take a 12 minute break. I repeat as necessary. During this time I turn off e-mail, close my door, and focus on one single task. This procedure works great for long term projects like writing a book, weight training, blogging, and getting office work done. The secret to the Power of 48 minutes is to block all distractions and work on one thing. No web browsing, e-mail searching etc. I can honestly say that I would not have been able to write a book, keep a blog going for 5 years, and lose weight without it. The only tool you need is some type of timer. An egg timer works great for many applications and you probably already own one. If you are going to be using a computer, there are free software countdown timers that you can download. I have a post about this on my blog at <a href="http://bit.ly/coOVQX" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/coOVQX</a> This is one of the most powerful things a person can do. I personally use a 48 minute time block, and then take a 12 minute break. I repeat as necessary. During this time I turn off e-mail, close my door, and focus on one single task. This procedure works great for long term projects like writing a book, weight training, blogging, and getting office work done.

The secret to the Power of 48 minutes is to block all distractions and work on one thing. No web browsing, e-mail searching etc. I can honestly say that I would not have been able to write a book, keep a blog going for 5 years, and lose weight without it. The only tool you need is some type of timer. An egg timer works great for many applications and you probably already own one. If you are going to be using a computer, there are free software countdown timers that you can download. I have a post about this on my blog at http://bit.ly/coOVQX

]]> By: Carmel http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58505 Carmel Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:09:46 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58505 Great reminder and isn't it always the simple solutions that have the greatest impact! Great reminder and isn't it always the simple solutions that have the greatest impact!

]]> By: tarheel810 http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58504 tarheel810 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:05:58 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58504 I have done this sporadically in the past but cannot say that I have ever fully implemented it the way you describe. I love your suggestion to make it part of my weekly review and get it "on the books" before other things arise. Thanks for the great suggestion! I have done this sporadically in the past but cannot say that I have ever fully implemented it the way you describe. I love your suggestion to make it part of my weekly review and get it "on the books" before other things arise. Thanks for the great suggestion!

]]> By: @mattdevries http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58502 @mattdevries Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:41:09 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58502 I face the same challenges with both "work time" and "quiet time" on my calendar ... that being, the "urge" to check my email. It is easier to do my quiet time before even turning on the computer, but if I am working a project with known deadline, all too often I get interrupted by all the things that interrupt us! Thanks for the post. I face the same challenges with both "work time" and "quiet time" on my calendar … that being, the "urge" to check my email. It is easier to do my quiet time before even turning on the computer, but if I am working a project with known deadline, all too often I get interrupted by all the things that interrupt us! Thanks for the post.

]]> By: Diana http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58501 Diana Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:39:19 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58501 The tyranny thing I get and while I have known the principle of scheduling time for myself, alas the boundaries have blurred. Thank you for this post- I am recommitting to re ink the lines and attempt to get back some me time. But that empty inbox thing? Not doing so well on that one. The tyranny thing I get and while I have known the principle of scheduling time for myself, alas the boundaries have blurred. Thank you for this post- I am recommitting to re ink the lines and attempt to get back some me time. But that empty inbox thing? Not doing so well on that one.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58500 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:21:36 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58500 Agreed. Agreed.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58499 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:21:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58499 Make sure you go offline. This is HUGE. If you are constantly being pinged, you will have a difficult time being productive. Make sure you go offline. This is HUGE. If you are constantly being pinged, you will have a difficult time being productive.

]]> By: Justin Popovic http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58498 Justin Popovic Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:08:49 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58498 This is great advice and even though I *know* the importance, I have been doing a poor job at best at scheduling this personal time. As a result, I have been working pretty crazy hours and always taking work home with me at night. I also start my day very early so its mostly work, all the time, sprinkled in with time for my family (which I will admit I have done a good job allocating time for despite my schedule). The idea of focused time blocks for work is amazing. I know myself well enough that if I work in a concentrated state for 2-3 hours without interruption, I can often be more productive than a day where I am constantly distracted and bouncing from one task to the next. Thanks for the reminder. Time to put it to work This is great advice and even though I *know* the importance, I have been doing a poor job at best at scheduling this personal time. As a result, I have been working pretty crazy hours and always taking work home with me at night. I also start my day very early so its mostly work, all the time, sprinkled in with time for my family (which I will admit I have done a good job allocating time for despite my schedule).

The idea of focused time blocks for work is amazing. I know myself well enough that if I work in a concentrated state for 2-3 hours without interruption, I can often be more productive than a day where I am constantly distracted and bouncing from one task to the next.

Thanks for the reminder. Time to put it to work

]]> By: Paul Steinbrueck http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58497 Paul Steinbrueck Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:08:29 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58497 I've been scheduling my work time for many years. I don't know how anyone can really be productive without doing it. Some people try to operate using a "to do" list but that doesn't help at all when dealing with the tyranny of the urgent. I’ve been scheduling my work time for many years. I don’t know how anyone can really be productive without doing it. Some people try to operate using a “to do” list but that doesn’t help at all when dealing with the tyranny of the urgent.

]]> By: Michael Hyatt http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58495 Michael Hyatt Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:59:18 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58495 That's the key: remembering to do it. (I sometimes forget, too.) That's the key: remembering to do it. (I sometimes forget, too.)

]]> By: Scott Couchenour http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58494 Scott Couchenour Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:34:27 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58494 This has been a habit of mine that has yielded tremendous benefits. I call it "blocktime" and find that when the door is closed and I know I won't be interrupted, I am able to focus more intently and get done sooner than I think. I don't always remember to do this, however, and your post is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing. This has been a habit of mine that has yielded tremendous benefits. I call it “blocktime” and find that when the door is closed and I know I won’t be interrupted, I am able to focus more intently and get done sooner than I think.

I don’t always remember to do this, however, and your post is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Tweets that mention Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent -- Topsy.com http://michaelhyatt.com/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html/comment-page-1#comment-58493 Tweets that mention Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent -- Topsy.com Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:26:56 +0000 http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/07/avoiding-the-tyranny-of-the-urgent.html#comment-58493 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rusty Boozer, Jennifer H Taylor. Jennifer H Taylor said: Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent: Several months ago, I spoke to a large group of military officers and contract... http://bit.ly/9VhvLK [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rusty Boozer, Jennifer H Taylor. Jennifer H Taylor said: Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent: Several months ago, I spoke to a large group of military officers and contract… http://bit.ly/9VhvLK [...]

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