(Gratefully borrowed from Jeff Hayden, editor, Inc.)
Ten Habits for Personal Growth are employed by successful people on a daily basis. The habits are not always easy but it will always make a difference. And over time, that’s what will make you incredibly successful. The Ten Habits belief-pattern includes how we use our time. This month’s tip is:
Time doesn’t fill the success-oriented person. They fill the time.
Average people allow time to impose its will on them; remarkable people impose their will on their time. How to make best use of your time starts with this. Deadlines and time frames establish parameters, but typically not in a good way. The average person who is given two weeks to complete a task will instinctively adjust his effort so it actually takes two weeks.
Forget deadlines, at least as a way to manage your activity. Tasks should only take as long as they need to take. Do everything as quickly and effectively as you can. Then use your “free” time to get other things done just as quickly and effectively.