Charles Schwab, President of Bethlehem Steel, hired Ivey Lee, a consultant to increase his efficiency. “Show me a way to get more things done with my time,” Schwab said. He agreed to whatever the fee if Lee’s suggestion worked. Some time later, Lee handed Schwab a piece of paper with his plan. It said:
1. Write down the most important tasks you have to do tomorrow.
2. Number them in order of importance.
3. When you arrive in the morning, begin at once on #1 and stay on it until it is completed.
4. Re-check your priorities; then begin on #2, then #3.
5. Make it a habit every working day. Pass it on to those under you.
This one idea turned Bethlehem Steel Corporation into the largest independent steel producer in the world within 5 years. In a time when most people were earning $2 a day, Lee received a check for $25,000. Schwab admitted later it was the most profitable lesson he had ever learned.
What can you glean from this today? How about starting off the new semester on a different foot than last? It only takes a couple minutes each day to write out your list and order its importance. Be honest with yourself. What is really the most important thing you need to accomplish, not the thing you feel like doing or would rather do? Check off what you finish, and keep moving down the list. I think you’ll be amazed at the results. Resolve this semester to skip the procrastination. Learn from the wisdom of someone else.
For more inspiration, listen to David Jeremiah’s message on Procrastination (1/6-7/10) at www.davidjeremiah.org/site/radio.aspx.