October 27, 2013

ISIQ-0290

“The key is not to priorize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

This powerful quote comes from a book titled “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – a self-help book published first in 1989. It’s especially relevant to me today, because I had a lengthy chat with my lovely wife on a return car trip from the Central Coast (family visit) where we discussed my priorities and how the heck to fit them all in.

Apparently part of the task of “prioritising” isn’t just to play the great big game of Tetris by fitting small blocks of time neatly together in a finite calendar. Apparently “prioritising” involves eliminating certain tasks altogether, to allow one to more fully focus on the priorities. Who knew?

I want you to know that I briefly considered shelving the IQs.

But then I realised that the IQs stand for a few things that are very important to me:

  1. The IQs are my way of reflecting and sharing insights about what happens in my life.
  2. They are also a way of forcing me to find something beautiful, inspiring, positive and/or uplifting about the day, each day. It’s a self-help remedy for my depressive tendencies.
  3. I want to build trust and reputation as that guy who always ships something awesome, every single day. (I aspire to be like Seth.)
  4. I am proud of the body of work that I am creating day by day, and looking back on the almost 300 IQs I’ve created is a proud moment, and one I intend to continue.

In the same way that “writers hate writing, but love having written” – sometimes I love having created these, but don’t always enjoy the actual creating. Not to worry. I just need to schedule my priorities, and I am at least clear that these IQs are a priority for me.

Now, where’s my copy of 7 Habits? Time for a refresher.

With love,
Israel. xo

 

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