Regain your Sense of Urgency with these Three Simple Steps.

WARNING - This article is rated "R" for "Rant"

What has happened to us? Where is our sense of urgency? I see many examples of people not taking advantage of opportunity RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEM, losing the moment, and then wondering, "Why?"

I partially blame WFH and "low hanging fruit" syndrome for much of this ( ok, haters, easy - take a breath and read on)

Easy is not always better. Its an abdication of opportunity.

We are so overwhelmed with information and constant digital distractions that it is not unusual to observe a decline in people's sense of urgency. The 'I'll do it tomorrow' syndrome has become a regrettable default setting.

Lack of urgency is holding you back. What are you afraid of?

Recovering this crucial drive is possible with actionable steps and a willingness to shift your mindset. Below are three things you can do to reignite your sense of urgency and enhance your professional and personal life.

1. Recognize the cost of inaction. (In other words, you snooze, you lose.)

Urgency often fades when the cost of inaction is not fully acknowledged. Realizing the potential repercussions of putting things off can spark the much-needed urgency within you. Reflect on what is at stake if certain activities are not attended to promptly. If someone invites you to call, DO IT. Now. If you have the opportunity to meet live, GO.

Strategies:

• Visualize YOUR Future: Take time to vividly imagine the future implications—both negative and positive—of your action or inaction.
• Create YOUR 'Do-Now' List: Instead of a traditional to-do list, make a list that emphasizes immediate action, titled "Do Now," with tasks that can't wait another day.
• You can learn from YOUR Missed Opportunities: Please keep a record of opportunities you've missed because of inaction and use these as reminders. Don't be surprised if this is more than you think.

2. Set clear, time-bound goals for yourself.

One significant reason for losing urgency is unclear, immediate goals. When objectives are vague or lack a specific timeline, there's little to compel action right now. Therefore, clear goals with set deadlines can create a natural sense of urgency. When you know what you've to tackle your brain gets wired to prioritize these tasks.

Strategies:

• Break Down Big Projects: Tackle a complex project by breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks with individual deadlines.
• Use a Planner or Digital Calendar: Visually map out your deadlines and set reminders for upcoming due dates.
• Commit Publicly: Sometimes, sharing your goals publicly can create a sense of accountability and urgency because of social expectations

3. Create self-imposed deadlines.

Without external pressures, it's easy to lose sight of the urgency in our activities. Self-imposed deadlines are self-enforcement mechanisms that keep procrastination at bay. It's about making a pact with yourself to finish tasks within a self-stipulated time frame to maintain momentum.

Strategies:

• Boundaries: Dedicate specific blocks of time to particular tasks or types of work, and treat these blocks as unbreakable appointments with yourself.
• The Pomodoro Technique: Work in short bursts (traditionally 25 minutes) followed by brief breaks. This technique helps maintain a high level of focus and urgency.
• Reward and Consequence System: Establish a system of rewards for meeting your own deadlines and consequences for failing to meet them. This can help make the artificial deadlines feel more real.

Time to suck it up.

Lacking a sense of urgency IS a silent growth inhibitor.

By setting clear goals, creating self-imposed deadlines, and understanding the costs of inaction, you can harness your internal drive and operate with a regained sense of purpose and urgency. This approach propels you towards achieving your goals and prepares you to handle unforeseen opportunities with poise and confidence. Remember, the right time is always now.

Still with me? I dare you to stand out and be visible with urgency.

References:

• Covey, S. R. (1990). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal

I love to challenge everything conventional and misunderstood about selling. For 16+ years, I have been challenging people to think very differently about how what they do individually and collectively matters. My keynotes and workshops leave better feeling great about themselves, which translates to a company's success.