I heard about a man who visited Uncertain, Texas, population 273.

I don't know whether Uncertain is near Muleshoe and Lazboddie, or closer to North Zulch and Dime Box. But this poor man had car trouble and found himself stranded in a small, unfamiliar place. The people were friendly enough, but he became frustrated with them rather quickly. Every time he asked someone where he was, they would answer, “Uncertain.”

After several “Uncertain” replies, he threw his arms up in the air and screamed, “Doesn't anybody in this town know where they are?”

I can somewhat relate. I know where I am, but as the pressures of the week pile up, I don't always remember where I'm going. It just seems like there's more work to do than there is time to do it. The scream echoes in offices across the land: “Why can't I get more done?” Let me offer some reasons that people don't get more done.

First, people have unclear goals. Simply stated, a goal is something at which to aim. If you don't know where you are going, you probably will miss it when you get there. Or, a person going nowhere will certainly reach his destination.

Second, people have no daily plan. A general routine helps. Things done at the same time each day or each week are done much easier and are much more enjoyable.

Third, people fail to set priorities. What is the most important thing you need to get done today? Plan a daily schedule first thing in the morning. Make a list and cross off the activities as you complete them.

Fourth, people attempt too much. Or, another way to say this is we have a hard time saying “no.” There are many important projects going on and many critical causes to help. Sometimes we have to choose between the good and the best. Don't spread yourself too thin and learn to say “no.”

Fifth, people attempt perfectionism. Perfectionists are too demanding of themselves and of others. No one is perfect and no day is going to go perfectly. If you expect perfection, you set yourself up for frustration.

Sixth, people are disorganized. Their personal life is disorganized, their business life is disorganized. Keep things in their place so you won't have to waste time looking for it. Put things back in their place when you finish.

Seventh, indecision causes people not to accomplish as much. Where shall I start? How should I proceed? Where do we go from here? Learn to make decisions quickly and move on with the decision.

Eighth, people do not manage crises very well. Often people fall apart when a crisis invades their project or routine. The work gets bogged down. A crisis can either give you more determination to get the job done or can drain your energy and slow you down.

Ninth, ineffective delegation causes lack of progress. Evangelist D. L. Moody said, “I'd rather put ten men to work than to do the work of ten men.” Learn to involve others in the work. You get more done that way.

Tenth, interruptions halt the work. Interruptions are a constant challenge. Some can be opportunities and deserve your time, but many can impede your work. Learn tactfully to end a phone conversation or diplomatically finish a visit to your office.

Eleventh, too many meetings hinder the work. Meetings cost much in time and produce little results if they aren't organized and to the point. Have an agenda, stick to the agenda, and don't chase rabbits. Manage time wisely.

Finally, people procrastinate. People don't get more done because they wait until the last minute. Procrastination is a thief of time. About the only thing that comes to him that waits is old age. Whatever needs to be done, do it now!

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page