Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time

May 29, 2007

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It’s true…isn’t it? Timing is everything. Like our recent discussion on multi-tasking, “timing” is another topic I’ve been exploring in order to be more effective. “Timing” is partners with “planning”…planning the right time to do a task is essential. Particularly when you have a home-based business or are a mom entrepreneur, I think that planning and being organized is especially critical. I struggle with this all the time because I get so excited about a project that I just try and make it fit into my day.

Sometimes my timing backfires on me…painfully, for example, I had bad timing last week when I sent off a business email without proofreading it properly and left off half a sentence. Or when I tried to call conference venues while my baby was fusing on my lap. On the other hand, I had great timing when I got up early this morning refreshed after a great weekend and was able to have my morning devotional, check emails and start working before any kids got up. So what makes the difference? For me, it appears that I have better timing to do my work when I set aside effective quiet ‘chunks of my day’ to do the tasks that require my full attention minus kids running around and then pay attention to house chores, etc. when there’s shall we say…more activity abounds in the house!

It boils down to self-mastery. Yikes. Do I have to be disciplined? Do I have to set aside time to do my finances when I’d really rather read a magazine and soak in the tub? Only if I want my business to be profitable. Do I have to set aside key time to plan our next conference when I’d rather run off to the park with my kids on a beautiful sunny day? No/Yes. I can set aside time to do both. Take advantage of the sun. Take advantage of kids who are tired after playing in the sun and take a longer nap!

Today’s Magic Wand: I challenge us all to ask: Am I doing the right thing at the right time for myself, for my family, for my business? Can I make a better choice?