Sunday Story...Important vs. Urgent

We are often told that we should focus on doing important tasks, not urgent ones. Urgent tasks are the ones right in front of us jumping up and down demanding our attention, whereas Important tasks are those that will move our vision and mission forward. Urgent tasks keep us from executing important tasks. This is the tyranny of “busy”. We are too busy to plan, too busy to “sharpen our ax” if you will.

Ths same principle applies to important conversations. Those conversations that are easy to argue about are too often provocative, irrelevant, and yes, urgent. If the conversation keeps turning back to in-person attacks, raised voices, or un-civil discourse it could be that the conversation is actually urgent and not important.

Important conversations require thought and nuance and civil discourse, an exchange of ideas, and a listening. If it is important I need to listen, digest, and ruminate on the ideas. Important tasks and conversations require our full attention and engagement.  

Urgent conversations are all about reaction, not careful consideration. Important conversations are all about listening, planning, and being proactive.

We need to have more important conversations, not less.

John Mariotti

www.crossfitodyssey.com

www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com

775-338-2412