Plans backed by decisive actions Without specific goals, ambitions or direction, the general tendency is to spend too much time doing small, easy tasks, leaving little time and energy for bigger, more difficult tasks and perhaps even more important projects.
You will begin to do things that are not within your capabilities. You may even miss out on rewards that you are more than capable of achieving but that you cannot see. Are some things worth doing? What is urgent and must be done now? Which activities are time sensitive and which are not? Which tasks are important but can be scheduled? You will be the one to decide which tasks are priorities. Your goal is not simply to do more, but to do more important things. Malcolm X said, “In all matters, the true value and respect for time are the deciding factors in success or failure.”
Be aware of professional time wasters
If you are part of the Master Success System, you will be called upon to assume a leadership position on a regular basis. Therefore, as both a manager and a living example, you need to be aware of the different types of time wasters you may encounter. As the American orator Benjamin Franklin said, “Time lost is never recovered.” Charles Dickens warned, “All procrastination is the theft of time.”
There are do-nothings. Do-nothing is an attitude, not a social program. Do-nothings are not necessarily unemployed. They may be very skilled and talented at doing nothing. They may have found a way to blend into the larger businesses, governments, or educational institutions that are operating. They may have found a niche or even created a position for themselves. Many of them are people with inflated self-esteem and think they are too good for the work that others expect them to do. They may feel that they are undervalued and, as long as they can afford to do so, feel entitled to do less than others or to do nothing while others work.
There are also perfectionists. They often seem like busy bees, even workaholics, but even when they seem busy, they don’t get much done. They are always restless, anxious about small details. They are endless gatherers and planners but can’t make decisions. They worry about too many things that will never happen. Perfectionists prefer to do smaller things because if they make a mistake, it will be smaller and thus avoid confrontation or criticism. They seem superior to the average worker, student, or child when they are not.
Both types of time wasters may be good at what they do, but a closer look at their work will reveal the truth. They may be well dressed, carrying around work portfolios. One may appear to be a hard worker and efficient, but in reality they contribute little or nothing to the progress of the organization. Of course, time wasters are not only found in the workplace. They can be found anywhere. A supervisor, teacher, or parent must have specific organizational goals and review things periodically to identify those who will never get anything done.
In short, the time wasters around you may seem to be smarter than everyone else, but don’t be jealous of them. Freeloaders have few friends. You have chosen a more difficult but also more glorious path. Yes, there may be easier paths, but you have not chosen that one. You must be independent. Be proud of the fact that you are always willing to do your part and even more. You have the ability to climb the ladder. Your character will be excellent.
