Tag Succeeding

How to Stop Making Excuses

Steve Keating 1 Comment

It has been said that a person who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else. Make no mistake about this absolute fact… making excuses is habit-forming. Making excuses is demoralizing, for the excuse maker and the people who have to listen to them. Excuse-making limits a person’s potential.

It’s just not good to make excuses. Ever!

Before we look at how to stop making excuses, let’s make sure we are all on the same page about exactly what an excuse sounds like.

Let’s say you have two employees who show up to a meeting late. The first one says, “sorry I’m late; the traffic was terrible. There was nothing I could do.” THAT’S AN EXCUSE. It indicates that the employee accepts no responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is likely to be late again. It shows a lack of respect for those who may have had to wait on him. It’s not an attitude that aligns well with success.

The second employee arrives a bit later. They are profusely apologetic. Embarrassed even. They also say the traffic was terrible. They say that they failed to consider potential traffic problems and did not leave home early enough. They commit to not making that mistake again. THAT IS A REASON. It indicates that the employee accepts full responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is unlikely to be late again. It demonstrates an understanding that they may have caused an inconvenience for others. It shows an attitude in excellent alignment with success.

There are indeed reasons why things don’t always go according to plan. Understanding those reasons helps you avoid them in the future. You maintain power over your circumstances rather than allowing circumstances to control you.

Excuses indicate a lack of control over your circumstances. Repeatedly making excuses puts you right on the edge of permanent victimhood. You lose the opportunity to control your circumstances and allow them to dictate the quality of your career and even your life.

If you’re currently an excuse maker, I have good news: you can break that habit with better choices and stronger effort.

You’ll need a mindset shift and a conscious, continuous effort to take responsibility for your actions and choices. If you’re interested in eliminating excuses from your life, here are some practical steps to help you do just that.

1. Acknowledge the Excuse Habit

• Self-awareness is key. Pay attention to when and why you make excuses. Is it due to fear, a lack of motivation, or the desire to avoid discomfort? Identifying patterns will help you address them more effectively.

2. Take Responsibility

• Own your choices and circumstances. Instead of blaming external factors or people, acknowledge that you’re in control of your actions. This helps shift the mindset from victimhood to empowerment.

3. Change Your Self-talk

• The language you use internally affects how you approach challenges. Replace phrases like “I can’t” or “I don’t have time” with more empowering statements like “I will make time” or “I’ll find a way to overcome this.”

4. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

• Excuses often arise when goals are vague or unrealistic. Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Clear, realistic goals give you direction and make it harder to justify excuses.

5. Plan and Prioritize

• Poor planning can lead to excuses. Develop a daily or weekly schedule, prioritize tasks, and stick to it. When you’re organized, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and make excuses to avoid tasks.

6. Hold Yourself Accountable

• Accountability is crucial. Share your goals with someone you trust, or track your own progress with a journal or app. When you’re accountable, there’s less room for excuses.

7. Embrace Discomfort

• Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Accept that discomfort is part of the process. Instead of avoiding challenges or blaming circumstances, lean into them knowing they’ll make you stronger.

8. Face Your Fears

• Excuses often mask fear—fear of failure, rejection, or even success. Recognize your fears and confront them head-on. Once you understand what you’re afraid of, you can take steps to move past it.

9. Develop a “Problem-Solving” Mindset

• Shift from focusing on the problem to finding solutions. When you encounter obstacles, instead of making excuses, ask yourself, “How can I overcome this?” This proactive mindset minimizes the tendency to rationalize inaction.

10. Surround Yourself with Motivated People

• Your environment influences your behavior. Spend time with people who hold themselves accountable and are goal-driven. Their discipline and attitude will inspire you to take ownership of your actions too.

11. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

• Expecting perfection can lead to frustration and excuses when things don’t go as planned. Celebrate your efforts and progress, even if they’re small. This positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and reduces the need for excuses.

12. Forgive Yourself and Move Forward

• If you fall into the trap of making excuses, don’t dwell on it. Forgive yourself and use the experience as a learning opportunity. Refocus on your goals and take the next best step forward.

You, like every other person on the planet, have incredible potential. Every time you make an excuse, you limit that potential. Don’t do that to yourself. Start taking control of your goals, actions, and attitude, and you’ll stop limiting your success.

You can do it; the question is… will you?

Motivating Yourself When You’re Not Particularly Motivated

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Sometimes I feel like doing nothing. I’m pretty good at it too. And to be clear, sometimes doing nothing is the most productive thing I can do. From time to time, we should all do nothing. As humans, we need time to recharge, reflect, and reinvigorate. It helps us be more productive when we decide to do something.

There are also times when we must get something done when nothing is what we would prefer to do. It is in those times that we must find a way to motivate ourselves.

It can be tough to motivate yourself when you’re not feeling it. But there are some things you can try to boost your enthusiasm and motivation. Let’s take a look at those below.

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

⁃ Large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable steps and focus on completing one at a time. Progress, no matter how small, can build momentum.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

⁃ Define specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Vague goals can make tasks feel pointless, while clear objectives help you stay focused and provide a sense of direction.

3. Use the “5-Minute Rule”

⁃ Commit to working on something for just 5 minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you’re in the flow, you’re more likely to continue.

4. Reward Yourself

⁃ Set up small rewards for completing tasks. This could be something as simple as taking a short break, enjoying a snack, or doing something you enjoy. This helps create positive associations with progress.

5. Change Your Environment

⁃ Sometimes a change in environment can stimulate motivation. Whether it’s working from a different room or going to a café, a new setting can refresh your mind and improve focus.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

⁃ Don’t be too hard on yourself when you’re not feeling motivated. Motivation fluctuates, and it’s okay to have down moments. Be kind to yourself and remember that you can always try again tomorrow. Just make sure there aren’t too many “tomorrows” in a row.

7. Remember Your “Why”

⁃ Reconnect with the reason you started. Reminding yourself of the long-term benefits (or the bigger picture) behind your efforts can reignite your motivation.

8. Limit Distractions

⁃ Identify what typically distracts you and try to minimize it. Whether it’s turning off notifications on your phone or setting boundaries with people around you. Creating a focused environment can help you stay on track.

9. Visualize Success

⁃ Picture yourself having completed the task or achieved your goal. Visualizing success can inspire confidence and make the end result feel more attainable.

10. Stay Consistent

⁃ Motivation isn’t always there, but consistency is key. Develop a habit of showing up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, the habit itself will carry you through periods of low motivation.

Each of these ideas can help you get your butt off the couch and turn a lazy day into a productive one. Even when nothing seems like a perfectly fine thing to do.

How to Know You’re on the Path to Success

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I had an interesting question from a young salesperson the other day. He asked me how he would know he was doing the right things. The things he needs to do in order to be a successful salesperson.

My almost automatic response was that a mentor would be a huge help to him. A mentor could not only explain to him when he was on the right path but maybe even more importantly, when he wasn’t. I explained that a mentor would likely see things that he couldn’t see for himself.

His response caught me a little off guard. He said a mentor would be good but that HE wanted to be able to know for himself. He asked, “What are the ‘signs’ of success? How could he know at all times whether or not he was on the path to success?”

That really got me to thinking. I wondered if there were indeed definitive signs to look for on the journey to success. After a great deal of thinking, here are some of the signs or guideposts to look for. When you “see” these, you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction.

1. You Have Clear Goals and Progress

• Set objectives: You have defined short-term and long-term goals.

• Consistent progress: You’re steadily working toward those goals and can see measurable improvement.

• Small wins: Achieving milestones, even if they’re small, boosts your confidence and motivation.

2. You’re Learning from Your Failures

• Resilience: You view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than reasons to quit.

• Growth mindset: You learn from experiences, feedback, and challenges. You adapt and improve over time.

3. You’re Noticing Increased Focus and Productivity

• Efficiency: You’re able to focus on what truly matters, cutting out distractions.

• Better time management: You prioritize tasks that move you closer to your goals and eliminate time-wasting activities.

4. You Feel a Genuine Sense of Purpose

• Aligned with values: Your work or efforts align with your personal values and passions.

• Fulfillment: You’re excited and energized by what you’re doing, which gives you a deeper sense of meaning in your journey.

5. Your Skills and Knowledge are Continuously Improving

• Continuous growth: You’re constantly developing new skills or deepening your knowledge in areas that contribute to your success.

• Competency: You’re becoming increasingly proficient in your field or area of interest.

6. You have Positive Relationships and Growing Network

• Support system: You have a network of mentors, peers, or colleagues who support and encourage you.

• Value exchange: You contribute to others’ success, and in return, people are eager to help you as well.

7. Your Confidence and Self-Belief are Consistently Multiplying

• Inner confidence: You trust in your abilities and decisions, even in the face of uncertainty.

• Self-awareness: You understand your strengths and weaknesses, and you’re comfortable with both.

8. Your Financial Stability is Increasing

• Income growth: You’re either seeing financial returns or are on the way to achieving them.

• Sustainable progress: You’re able to invest in yourself or your business without feeling financially stretched.

9. You’re Receiving Positive Recognition from Others

• Respect and acknowledgment: Others recognize and respect your work or contributions, whether through feedback, awards, promotions, or opportunities.

10. You Willingly Accept and Adapt to Change

• Flexibility: You’re open to new opportunities, shifts in direction, and adjustments to your plan. You don’t feel derailed by them.

• Problem-solving ability: You can navigate unforeseen challenges with creative solutions.

11. You Have a Solid Work-Life Balance and Strong Mental Health

• Health and happiness: You’re maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

• Less stress: While challenges may arise, you handle stress better and remain mentally and emotionally stable.

12. You’re Excited About the Future

• Vision: You have a clear and inspiring vision of what success looks like, and it excites you.

• Optimism: You’re motivated and feel positive about your future, despite the challenges ahead.

If you’re noticing some, or hopefully many of these signs, it’s likely you’re on a path toward success. If not, you at least know what to look for and you know that you have some work to do. I’d suggest that work begin with a review of your core principles. From there you can set goals for your career, your personal life, your financial life, and whatever other areas of your life that you want to focus on.

Those goals will become your guideposts to success.

Ultimately, your success, and the path you choose to get there, are completely up to you. But you must choose a path. Wandering around waiting for success to find you is like hoping to win the lottery without buying a ticket.

So get to work and get yourself on the path to phenomenal success.

But I Don’t Want to Be a Leader

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I recently had a conversation about leadership with the owner of what I would call a big, small company. He employs about 800 people, so not a small company but not really a big one either.

Anyway, we were talking about what type of person he generally tries to employ. He said he only hires people who want to be leaders. He went on to explain that having the opportunity to lead others, and not taking advantage of it, is a terrible waste. It shows laziness on the part of the person. He doesn’t want lazy people on his payroll.

He said it also shows an extreme level of selfishness, and he won’t have selfishness messing with the culture of his company. I assured him that his thoughts were understandable. I then also assured him that those same thoughts were, while understandable, also very wrong.

Not everyone is cut out to lead. Not everyone needs to lead to be successful. Organizations need individual contributors every bit as much as they need leaders. Hiring only people who aspire to positions of leadership is a recipe for organizational failure.

If you’re one of the many people who do not aspire to a position of leadership, don’t let others try to tell you that you’re wrong. Don’t let them make you feel that somehow you are “less” than those who do aspire to a leadership role.

You should know, without a doubt, that it is completely okay not to aspire to a leadership position. Here’s exactly why that is true.

1. Personal Fulfillment: Not everyone finds fulfillment in leading others. Some people derive more satisfaction from roles that allow them to focus on their specific skills, passions, or areas of expertise. Leadership often requires a shift away from hands-on work to more strategic tasks. Those tasks might not align with what makes someone happy or motivated.

2. Work-Life Balance: Leadership positions often come with increased responsibility. This can lead to longer hours, more stress, and a greater impact on one’s personal life. For some, the trade-off between career advancement and maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t worth it.

3. Different Career Goals: Career success looks different for everyone. Some people may value mastering a craft, contributing to meaningful projects, or working in a supportive team environment over climbing the corporate ladder. Success doesn’t have to mean being in charge.

4. Comfort with Current Role: Many people are content and fulfilled in their current roles. They might enjoy the work they do, feel appreciated, and see no need to take on additional responsibilities. If someone is happy where they are, there’s no need to pursue a leadership position just because it’s the traditional path to advancement.

5. Leadership Isn’t for Everyone: Leadership requires a specific skill set. These skills include decision-making under pressure, managing diverse personalities, and navigating organizational politics. Not everyone has an interest in developing these skills, and that’s perfectly fine. Recognizing one’s strengths and preferences is crucial in building a satisfying career.

6. Contribution in Other Ways: You can make significant contributions to an organization or cause without being in a leadership role. Many people are the backbone of their teams. They provide critical support, innovation, and expertise. They work drives success from behind the scenes.

7. Contentment and Satisfaction: Some individuals might feel content and satisfied with their current position and responsibilities. They may prefer stability and predictability over the challenges and uncertainties that often come with leadership roles.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s career journey is unique. What matters most is finding a path that aligns with your values, needs, and aspirations. Leadership is one way to have a meaningful and successful career. But it is far far from the only way.

Being a Leader that People Will Want to Follow

Steve Keating 3 Comments

I’ve worked with many people who wanted to be a boss. They would make comments such as, “When I’m the boss, they will have to do what I tell them to do.” They aspired to a position of leadership so they could force people to follow “orders.”

I had a ready-made answer for those people. The answer was, “you may be able to get them to do something, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll get them to do it well.” That’s because the best a boss, or most managers, can hope for is the compliance of their people. Compliant people may do what they are told but they almost never pour their heart and soul into doing it. They are most often “bare minimum doers” who do as little as possible. Most often doing just enough to keep their jobs.

Only committed people do more than required. And despite what many organizations say in their mission statements, their people are NOT committed to the organization. That’s because people can only commit to other people. Commitment is very personal. Humans don’t make commitments to their cars. Their houses, their boats, or anything. Not even the place they work at.

They make commitments to other people. So long as they know those people are also committed to them. Most bosses and managers do not possess the characteristics required to build committed relationships with their people. Authentic Leaders do.

People may be forced to comply with a boss, but they want to follow an Authentic Leader. They want to perform well for their leader. They will indeed make a huge effort, consistently doing more than is required of them.

Authentic Leaders create an Authentic Followership. It’s from those followers that they grow more leaders.

It all begins with being the type of leader that people will want to follow. Being a leader that people want to follow does not necessarily require holding a position of authority. It does require building trust, demonstrating integrity, and inspiring others.

If your goal is to be an Authentic Leader, one who others will be excited to follow, then here are some key principles to consider.

You lead by example. Integrity is vital when leading by example. Whether you realize it or not, you ARE leading by example. You must show honesty and consistency in your actions. Follow through on your promises, and adhere to the same standards you expect from others.

If you want dedication and commitment from your people, then you must demonstrate dedication and commitment. People are more likely to respect a leader who works as hard as they do.

Communication reigns supreme. Keep your team informed about important decisions and changes. Clear, honest communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. There is some information that must remain private, but not much. Withholding information which could be shared does not make you more powerful; it makes your team weaker.

And remember, effective communicators are also excellent listeners. So pay attention to the ideas, concerns, and feedback of your team members. This not only helps you understand their perspectives but also makes them feel valued.

Empowerment is more than a buzz word. Trust your team with responsibilities and give them the autonomy to complete tasks. This not only fosters growth but also shows that you have confidence in their abilities. This is a vital step in building more leaders in your organization. If you’re a micromanager, then you’d best be prepared to accept micro accomplishments from your people.

Never stop investing in your team’s professional growth. Offer opportunities for learning and development, and provide the resources they need to succeed. As an Authentic Leader, your own success is completely dependent upon the success of your people. Keep the focus on developing your people, and they will help you and the organization succeed.

Consistently inspire and motivate the people you lead. No one is going to commit to following you until they know where you’re going. Articulate a clear and compelling vision that inspires others to contribute. When people understand the bigger picture, they are more motivated to work toward common goals.

If you want enthusiastic followers, then show enthusiasm for your work. Passion is contagious, and when your team sees your genuine excitement, they are more likely to share it.

Show your people that you truly care. One of the greatest truths of leadership is that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care… about them. Be aware of your team members’ individual needs and challenges. Show empathy in difficult situations and be supportive when they need it.

Foster, at all times, a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. A positive work environment leads to higher morale and stronger team cohesion.

Be a decider. Make informed decisions in a timely manner. Even when tough choices are necessary, being decisive helps maintain momentum and confidence. Once you’ve made the decision, take responsibility for your actions and the outcomes of your decisions. Admit mistakes when they happen, and focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.

Everything you say and do either adds to or subtracts from your credibility. Be reliable in your actions and decisions. Consistency builds trust, as your team will know what to expect from you. Treat everyone with fairness and impartiality. Avoid favoritism, and ensure that all team members have equal opportunities.

People need recognition. Regularly recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team. Public acknowledgment boosts morale and motivates others to excel. Consistently show appreciation for the efforts of your team members. A simple thank-you can go a long way in making people feel valued.

By developing these characteristics, you’ll create a culture where people feel motivated, respected, and eager to follow your lead. Authentic Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to reach their full potential. When done right, it can lead to tremendous success for both individuals and the team as a whole.

Why Little Details Are a Big Deal

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Steve Jobs was a big believer in getting the details right. He said he’d rather wait to launch a product until every detail was exactly right. Professional salespeople know that when details fall through the cracks the sale often does too.

It really doesn’t matter what kind of work you do; details, the “little things,” often make the difference between success and failure. Between winning and losing. Between earning that promotion or being stuck where you are.

They also make a difference in our personal lives. When others know that you will do exactly what you said you would do, exactly when you said you would do it, exactly how you said you would do it, you build trust. Trust is the foundation for every successful, lasting relationship we have.

Details matter, and if you tell yourself they don’t, you are either being lazy or foolish. Possibly both. I know that’s kind of harsh but honesty with yourself is step one in the self-improvement process.

You can become more detail-oriented by focusing on the finer points of commitments, tasks, and projects to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Here are some strategies to help.

1. Plan and Organize:

◦ Create To-Do Lists: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

◦ Use Calendars and Schedules: Allocate specific times for tasks and stick to your plan.

2. Develop Good Habits:

◦ Double-Check Work: Always review your work for errors or omissions.

◦ Stay Organized: Keep your workspace and digital files in order to reduce distractions and errors.

3. Practice Mindfulness:

◦ Stay Present: Focus fully on the task at hand and avoid multitasking. Some of you won’t like hearing this, but the only proven benefit of multitasking is that it helps you screw up more than one thing at a time.

◦ Take Breaks: Short breaks can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

4. Enhance Observation Skills:

◦ Notice Details: Train yourself to observe and remember small details in everyday life.

◦ Practice Memory Games: Engage in activities that challenge your memory and attention to detail.

5. Utilize Tools and Technology:

◦ Checklists and Templates: Use checklists to ensure you don’t miss any steps in a process. This may seem counterintuitive, but the more repetitive the task, the more beneficial a checklist becomes.

◦ Software Tools: Employ software for task management, proofreading, and data verification.

6. Seek Feedback:

◦ Ask for Input: Get feedback from colleagues or mentors on your work to identify areas for improvement.

◦ Learn from Mistakes: Analyze any mistakes you make to understand what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future.

7. Cultivate a Routine:

◦ Consistent Workflow: Establish a routine that includes regular times for planning, working, and reviewing.

◦ Healthy Habits: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition to support cognitive function.

8. Develop Patience:

◦ Take Your Time: Allow yourself enough time to complete tasks thoroughly.

◦ Avoid Rushing: Rushing through tasks increases the likelihood of mistakes. As someone much smarter than me once said, “if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, how will you ever have time to do it again?”

9. Focus on Accuracy:

◦ Prioritize Quality: Aim for high-quality work rather than just completing tasks quickly.

◦ Use Resources: Refer to guides, manuals, or experts when in doubt to ensure accuracy. Do not guess.

10. Continuous Learning:

◦ Stay Informed: Keep learning and updating your knowledge in your field. The most successful people learn something from almost every single day. Keep that in mind the next time you think you know enough.

◦ Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops or courses that emphasize attention to detail.

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine will cause some people to call you anal. You can take comfort in knowing those people are likely pretty sloppy with details. They might be calling you names but you’ll be so far ahead of them you’re be unlikely to hear them.

Improving your attention to detail, like most things in life, is a choice. The sooner you make that choice, the sooner all areas of your life will improve. Why not make that choice today?

How to Get More Done

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I’ll frequently ask someone how their day went. If I had a dollar for every time that they answered “busy,” I’d have a whole lot of dollars. For many people, having a “busy” day is the measure of a good day. Some even consider a busy day to be a successful day.

But I’ve seen many very busy people who are busy getting nothing of substance done. They are merely busy being busy. Sometimes, they are even busy doing things that shouldn’t be done at all. In essence, they are counterproductive.

To make progress toward a goal, or simply get something done, you must understand the difference between being busy and actually being productive. If, at the end of the day, you can’t point to something concrete that you accomplished, then you likely didn’t have a very productive day. Even if you’re exhausted at the end of that day.

The key to being productive is not simply getting more done. It’s getting more of the things that matter done. More of the things that will make a difference, for you or for someone else. That’s going to require a combination of effective time management, prioritization, and personal productivity strategies. Here’s what you need to do to make it happen.

1. Set Clear Goals

• SMART Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Daily Planning: Start each day by outlining your key tasks and objectives.

2. Prioritize Tasks

• Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance.

• ABC Method: Label tasks as A (most important), B (important but not urgent), and C (neither urgent nor important).

3. Use Time Management Techniques

• Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks.

• Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks or activities.

4. Minimize Distractions

• Turn Off Notifications: Silence your phone and computer notifications while working.

• Create a Productive Workspace: Ensure your workspace is organized and free from distractions.

5. Leverage Technology

• Productivity Apps: Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks where possible, using tools like Zapier or IFTTT.

6. Delegate and Outsource

• Identify Tasks to Delegate: Delegate tasks that others can do, allowing you to focus on higher-priority items.

• Outsource When Necessary: Consider hiring freelancers or using services for tasks outside your expertise.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your productivity strategies and make adjustments as needed.

• Learn New Skills: Continuously seek to improve your skills and knowledge.

8. Stay Motivated

• Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for completing tasks.

• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and keep motivated through challenging tasks.

9. Effective Communication

• Clear Communication: Ensure clear and effective communication with your team to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

• Regular Updates: Keep stakeholders updated on your progress to maintain alignment and accountability.

Years ago I was the General Sales Manager for a Soft Drink Company. Our delivery drivers went on strike and I found myself on a delivery truck working harder than I ever had before. The thing is, my day job didn’t stop. So at the end of my delivery day I would head into my office to get as much done as I could. The next day started at 4:00am and by sleeping in my office I could save myself an hour of commuting each day. But it was a losing battle and by the end of the first month I had piles of paperwork everywhere.

One night I went into the warehouse and grabbed one of those big dumpsters on wheels. I pushed it into my office and threw everything on my desk straight into that dumpster. It was a very freeing experience. I had no idea what the heck I was throwing away but at that point I didn’t really care.

Here’s the most interesting part. I barely heard a word from anyone asking about what happened to this paperwork or what happened to that document. It was then that I learned a lesson that has stayed with me to this day.

The lesson is this: Never underestimate the absolute unimportance of almost everything you do.

Most, not some, most of the things I stressed over and worked all hours to complete were not having any impact at all. They just didn’t matter. There’s a lesson in that for many of us.

By using the ideas I’ve listed above, you’ll understand your priorities and why they are priorities. Once you accomplish that, you’ll be well on your way to getting more done. More importantly, the things you get done will have a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you.