One of the challenges we face day to day is sticking to our schedules in the midst of the chaos and disorder that we find ourselves in. I must confess that I myself have been both victim and perpetrator of this. To say otherwise would be the height of dishonesty, even hypocrisy, on my part, for I too have to put in a constant persevering fight in promptly getting things done and punctually attending to the items in my daily calendar, just as most of you do.
Our circumstances for promptness are so difficult to contend with yet not necessarily insurmountable. Admittedly, old habits die hard. However, each of these provides us with an opportunity to improve our lot by striving to be even better today than we were yesterday. One way of doing this is to strive for an even higher goal. The famous management practitioner Jack Welch refers to this as the stretch goal. Thus, for us to be punctual, we will strive to attain an even higher goal which is to finish the things we do way ahead of schedule. This requires efficiency, speed and discipline.
Finishing ahead of schedule demands intense concentration and the ability to cut through the non essentials in order to focus on what is essential. This entails addressing the key elements immediately and viewing those in the periphery in perspective, paying them only the attention and giving them only the time that they deserve, no more, no less. By being very clear about the purpose of each activity, we can cut the unnecessary beating around the bush, minimize unnecessary discussion and futile efforts, and secure the good use of everyone's time.
Again, as I have been emphasizing for sometime now, good use of time is crucial as it is scarce and expensive. Thus, we have to be prudent about loading our schedules with too many activities. Let us concentrate and put our attention to the few priorities that must be done now, no matter how unpleasant, instead of letting our attention wander and wasting our time on a wide array of non essential interests, even if they are the pleasant tasks. This requires focus, agility and an ability to discern which needs to be done now, which can wait for later and which one need not be attended to.
MIGUEL D. SOLEDAD, MBM, MPA
President & CEO
Davao Doctors College
