September 19, 2018

By Lindy Earl

Life is busy.  We all have a lot to do, every day.  Our to-do lists seem to grow exponentially, sometimes overnight.  Taking time for ourselves seems ever more elusive.

Of course, time management can help.  One trick we were all taught, and some learned better than others, is that if there isn’t time to do it right, then there will be time to do it over.  Point:  do it right the first time, because it saves you time (and often money and respect) in the long run.

When accepting a new challenge, you can do the right thing the wrong way, the wrong thing the right or wrong way, or the right thing the right way.  Of course we know which is best, so why do the others happen?

Doing the right thing the wrong way – sometimes we just don’t know a better way to accomplish our goal.  For instance, if you’re asked to mow the lawn and you get it done, that’s doing the right thing.  Using scissors – is the wrong way!  Now, that’s an extreme example, but the analogy is fair.  Use the correct tools for the job.

Another reason people do the right thing the wrong way is that they are unwilling to seek help.  Asking for help shows intelligence – by acknowledging that there is possibly, maybe probably, a better way to do something, and being humble enough to ask, shows great character.

Doing the wrong thing, whether you it the right way or the wrong way, is obviously a bad idea.  Why does it happen?  I’m guessing mostly due to poor communication.  Failure to ask questions and clarify information can lead someone to misunderstand the project from the beginning, and that can lead to doing it incorrectly, or at least poorly.

Of course our goal is to do the right thing the right way.  You already have a good idea of how to accomplish this every time.  First, prepare.  Even the boy scouts teach this as their motto.  Learn everything you can, through questions and research, about what needs to be done. Learn the best way to accomplish the task.  Consider your talents and abilities.  Are you the best person for the job? Should you delegate the task?  Delegation is part of great leadership.  If you are the right person for the job, and have discerned the best way of doing the right thing, then, actually perform!  Knowing what to do but not doing it accomplishing nothing. Get it done!

There are plenty of ways to accomplish your goals.  Invest in yourself, and your future, by finding the best alternatives, using time management, making good decisions, and getting busy.

Lindy is a Business Consultant and Speaker to individuals of all levels and for companies, churches, and organizations of all sizes.  In addition, she is an author and columnist.  Contact her at LMEarl@EarlMarketing.com to speak to your corporation or organization.