It is the New Year – and like most folks, I find myself making lists. Lists of things that need done, things I want to do, things I ought to do, things other people want done. Over the years I have made a lot of lists, and we have whole industries with strategies and software to help manage our lists – schedulers, planners, time and contact management software. The end result seems to be longer lists, more detailed lists, but less time and less sense of control. Our ability to generate lists and detail has overwhelmed our sense of purpose – why we needed the lists to start with. The result is we miss opportunities that present themselves, because of something on the list – something that upon reflection is not that critical, but it was on the list.
So first on my list this new year – make a new list! To be more accurate – I made another list. But this one goes on top of all the other lists and has no “things” to do on it. It will only have questions – questions that will determine the importance, value and attention items on the other lists will receive. I am still tweaking my new list – but am starting with two basic questions:
1. Is this really required? Not much is – but some things are (just ask the IRS) so if it is — get it done and move on – delay just adds pressure I don’t need.
2. Will it improve or just maintain the current conditions? Improvements get attention – our current condition is not a place we can afford to linger.
But there is always the complication of not always having agreement on what is “really required” or “truly important.” That debate may take place in your head, with your spouse, co-workers, or members of your club. In end to have any hope of moving forward decisions must be made, which start with taking control of the lists in your life.
This reminds me of one of my favorite sayings from the islands – “Always tell the truth – there is less to remember.” So for this year – “Only carry around what is important and required – your load will be much lighter.”
So to all those on my list, adding to my lists – putting me on their lists – I wish you the best of the New Year and that all our important and required efforts are successful.
Steven Muprhy
Executive Director
Sertoma/Hearing Charities of America
Sertoma's Blog 