Three Questions For A Meaningful Week
“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent andnot enough time on what is important.”Stephen Covey
I have been unplugged and “off the grid” for almost a week, and I’m ready for re-entry.
I am itching to plow through my task list and I fear for anyone who interrupts my flow. I’m on a tear to “catch up” and “make things happen.” I am behind on all of the usual things: writing, emails, proposals, exercise, laundry. But I’m also behind on long-term, big-dream ideas.
I’m dying to get back in the game and feel in control. I HAVE to get tasks off my list!
The problem is, my agenda and my list are all about making me feel more productive and thus, more comfortable. Sadly, feeling “comfortable” is often my preeminent objective.
If I’m not careful, especially when I'm feeling behind, I run the risk of putting the urgent in front of the important; of making progress more significant than relationships.
However, when I pause, when I really look at what I “have” to do, nothing is more important than connecting with people. Nothing trumps being present with my family, with people I'm close to, and even the strangers I meet during the course of the day.
This weekend I received a text message from my ever-talented niece, with the photo above as a great reminder to put connections first. Fortunately, for all of us, Mondays are a great opportunity to reset. Today gives us the chance to make this week different from the last.
What does it take to make your week meaningful? For me, answering these three questions helps:
- Do I have enough margin in this week’s schedule to connect with people?
- Is there enough space in my evenings to allow me time for rest?
- Where am I giving back?
The last question is always the most challenging for me. As Maya Angelou famously said, "you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back."
Indeed...