• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Sources of Insight

Better Insights, Better Results

  • About
  • Latest
  • Articles
  • Books
  • Courses
  • Topics
    • Emotional Intelligence
    • Intellectual Horsepower
    • Happiness
    • Leadership
    • Mental Health
    • Personal Development
    • All Topics
  • Resources
    • Books I Recommend
    • Book Summaries
    • Great Lessons
    • Great Quotes
    • Products I Recommend
    • All Resources
  • Contact

What Do You Want to Accomplish Today?

by JD

WhatDoYouWantToAccomplishToday

Maybe the answer is “nothing.”  If so, at least it’s a conscious choice.   It’s a simple enough question, at first blush.  In fact, it’s the question I use to make the most of my day.  But there’s more to it.

The real question is, “What do you want to accomplish today? … given your available time, your available energy, your MUSTs/needs and/or wants?”

It invites you to think of your time budget for the day.  How many hours do you realistically have?  Actually quantify it – is it 10 hours? …. 4 hours? … 2 hours?  You can only throw those hours at so many things.

It invites you to think of your energy.  Do you feel like changing the world … or are you lucky if you have enough energy to just change your mind?

It invites you to consider your MUSTs and needs and wants for the day.  What are the things you MUST or need to get done today, if anything?  If you finish painting the mast, meanwhile while your boat sank, you missed something important.  Using MUST can help you quickly identify the critical from the non critical.  Note that when you actually do your MUSTs, shift to “Choose To” over “Have To” or “MUST” (it’s subtle but effective.)

If you’re in the habit of burning the midnight oil or pushing yourself too far, or wondering where your day went, this simple question, along with elaboration, can get you back on track.  I use it at the start of my day, as a midway check, and throughout the day as needed.  Simply reminding myself either that I only have so much time, or whether I’m exploiting my best energy, helps me improve my effectiveness in simple, but cumulative ways.

Photo by liza31337.

Category: Effectiveness, Personal Effectiveness, SuccessTag: Effectiveness

About JD

Previous Post:Lessons Learned in 2009Lessons Learned in 2009
Next Post:Great Lessons Learned from Tony RobbinsGreat Lessons from Tony Robbins

Sidebar

About the Author

JDI am J.D. Meier. Join me on a quest for the world's best insights and actions for work and life. Learn more...

My Best-Selling Book

This is the book that changes lives ...

Become the Greatest Version of Yourself!

Learn better skills for work and life. Stand on the shoulders of giants and awaken your greatness. Realize your human potential through the world’s best insights and actions for mind, body, emotions, career, finance, relationships, and fun.

Features

  • Book Summaries
  • Books I Recommend
  • Great Lessons Learned
  • Great Quotes
  • How Tos
  • Lists
  • Best Products

My Other Sites

JD Meier.com
Getting Results.com

Copyright © 2023 · Sources of Insight · All Rights Reserved