Done Too Soon?

“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”  – Life’s Little Instruction Book

A friend had posted this on Facebook as a reminder of the simple truth that there are 24 hours in a day and that everyone gets the same allotment -- nothing more, nothing less. Great or small, time favors no one. In thinking about this, I was reminded of an old Neil Diamond song called "Done Too Soon". In the song, he mentions name after name of people that have walked the earth -- both famous and infamous. A rapid-fire role call of names I recognized and others that I didn't at the time, but have heard of since. After a couple verses of this name game, he shifts into a very moving chorus and a sobering reminder for all of us. He says: "They have sweated beneath the same sun, and looked up in wonder at the same moon -- and wept when it was all done, for being done too soon."

As the years go by, we become increasingly aware that time really does march on and that it waits for no one. So, doesn't it make sense to focus our time on the things that matter most and have the most impact -- both in our business and our personal life? Shouldn't we spend our precious hours on the Vital Few and not the Trivial Many? What separates the aforementioned people from the rest of us? Could it be that they had a Clear Vision, Focused Priorities, and unrelenting Self-Discipline?

We really can't say we don't have enough time. Rather, we must admit that we just haven't learned to use it. Its not too late. Seek help and make the change before you're ... Done Too Soon.

Two Little Words

Words are powerful tools, but sometimes less is better. We often use a wide variety of words to talk about our plans, our hopes, our dreams, our intentions, and our businesses. And, while it is critical to bring clarity and purpose to all that we do, there comes a time for action. Sometimes you have to simply "do it". Two little words that carry a big impact. Taking action may be the greatest differentiator between success and failure. Depending on your mindset, the words "do it" can either energize you or stress you out. "Let's go" or "Let's wait" -- which camp do you fall in?

Getting into the habit of taking action helps us learn -- in real time -- what works and what doesn't. The "do" gives us actual feedback that we can measure and if necessary, make proper adjustments to improve our future action. Otherwise we're always guessing -- and it may just be the fear of the unknown that keeps us on the sideline.

So make the best plan possible and then take action on it. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Do it!