You have spent 30-45 minutes of your day. You have gathered up information required to plan your day, you know what you have to do, and are already planning it in your mind. You don't have to worry about forgetting something important.

4. On a clean sheet of paper, or index cards, prioritize 10 -15 things you intend to accomplish before end of day. Be realistic. You will not be able to do much more than this. From 10-15 highlight 4 or 5 items that are important-but-not urgent and critical to your long term goals. Prioritize these items first, and then follow with remaining items in some sort of order. Put an estimated time to complete each item beside it. At end of day, your review of what got done and actual time it took will be a great education and experience for future planning. With practice, this skill will serve you well.

5. Now do one of your highlighted tasks, preferably one you enjoy.

You have now spent approximately 90 minutes of your day. You have achieved a step towards your 3-5 year plan. (Imagine what a constant daily step towards your goal will produce!) You know how your day will play out (for most part), and you are comfortable knowing you have not missed anything of importance.

If you begin to do important-but-not urgent items on a daily basis, you will find less urgent items surprising you. The feeling and knowledge of achievement will be encouragement for you to continue to strengthen your skills in this area.

There you have two ways to begin your day. Your choice!

Your Coach and online friend,* Miami

Miami Phillips Helping others find their path - and stay on it. www.creativemasterminds.com

Quotation of Week Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk. J. C. Penney