Watching her at work we were forced to think about number of times we had a plan for day and some other force came into our lives and gave us different choices. We were reflecting how many times an opportunity had arisen only to be rejected in favour of status quo. How many times we had been so focussed on our predetermined plan that we missed or nearly missed a great opportunity.

In 1990’s we had our own training business and saw an advertisement by a major British Company for trainers to be part of a team responsible for training staff for oncoming technology. They wanted experienced trainers to work with sales team to get them to a place where they could accept change and even envelop it. But there was two things wrong. One, fees offered were not what I thought I was worth and secondly, it was working with other freelance trainers I didn’t know. However, after great persuasion and pressure from Julie; I sent my CV (resume). A few days later, I received an invitation to meet co-ordinator of project. But, it was 300 miles away so I put it in too difficult basket on my desk and hoped it would go away.

A few weeks passed and co-ordinator rang to ask whether I received his letter and to confirm my attendance . I said “No, I was not coming”, about three times during conversation. But to my amazement on following Monday morning I found myself on early morning train going to meet him.

We met, enjoyed each others company and had a great deal in common, both in our expertise and way in which we thought such a project should progress. But, I decided I didn’t want it, using insufficient fees as excuse. However, about two weeks later he ‘phoned to say that he had put my case before Managing Director and he had agreed to increase fee to what, I had to accept, was a very generous offer. I couldn’t refuse.

To cut a long story short. I worked with co-ordinator for 3 years on this project, had a great time, met some marvellous people and learned a great deal.

There are two ways to start your day. The first is to dive in; tackling whatever is in front of you. You might check your emails. This is an interesting beginning as it is always possible something fun and new came in since you last looked.

Next thing you know you are deeply involved, answering all your mail. Some messages require thought; others require action, either research, interaction with others, or decision making. It is natural to attempt to take care of these mails, as they are right in front of you. You feel hungry, look up and it is mid morning. You have just spent a quarter of your day dealing with emails!

Another scenario is firefighting. Firefighting is act of facing and finding quick fix solutions for all emergency situations that seem to be coming at you from unknown sources. These urgent problems can also eat up an alarming amount of your work day.

Let's look at an alternative method of beginning your day. First, remember that this day is a gift. You have choice what to do with it. Why not choose to do important -but-not urgent tasks first? These are tasks that will advance your life goals, and ensure success for you as you have defined it. If you do not prioritize and do these tasks first, you will almost certainly fail to do them.* Here is how.

1. Define where you want to be in 3-5 years. Now list steps it will take to get you there. Break these steps down into yearly goals, then monthly and finally weekly. Take time to plan your life!

2. At beginning of your day, pull out your weekly goals. What will you do today to advance your weekly goal? List this (these) tasks.