In attempts at accelerating my own life goals and becoming more effective with my time, I have implemented some ideas from two of my favorite books.
The first is called “Mission Critical” taken from The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. Basically, he describes “Mission Critical” as the single most important task that you have to do that day. What task, if it is NOT completed by the end of the day, will make you feel like you wasted your day and dissatisfied?
Well, to help us define that task, we have to know one more thing…what does “important” mean?
For this answer, I turn to another book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. In this book, he describes each task as having two qualities, “Important” and “Urgent.” To me, “Urgent” means a task that must be done very soon. “Important” is a task that doesn’t need to be done right away but critical for the long term.
The result?
On my whiteboard on my door, I have divided it into two Mission Critical tasks to be done each day by 11am if possible-one Urgent, and one Important. This helps my productivity rise and my speed accelerate!
2 replies to "Mission Critical!"
Hi Al, I have been looking at your great content. Great Work!
I am also creating an online ELT or English Study brand. I also focus on pronunciation… you are much further along.
I’m wondering if it is overwhelming for you also? I’m trying to do this while teaching a full + schedule.
The reason I am writing is because I noticed it felt similarites and write almost the exact thing in my whiteboard today. Using the same kind of inspiring books.
I would love to be friends, support, whatever
Keep up the great work! I’ve shared it with some of my students and they like you.
Kevin
Hi Kevin!
Sorry for the delay, I just got back from a long vacation.
Thanks for posting and the kind comments!
Glad to hear you are in the same line of work and same line of thinking it appears. To put it short, yes, I do feel overwhelmed at times. I have so many ideas but just not enough time to implement them. I’d certainly like to blog more and put out my podcasts more regularly but it just ain’t happening as much as I’d like.
Where are you located? Who are you teaching mainly? Yes, I’d like to keep in touch and share ideas if you’d like. Please contact me: al AT alsensei.com and we can chat some more.
Thanks again for connecting and sharing my site with your students!
Al