I heard

about a man who visited Uncertain, Texas, population 273.

I don't

know whether Uncertain is near Muleshoe and Lazboddie, or

closer to North Zulch and Dime Box. But this poor man had

car trouble and found himself stranded in a small,

unfamiliar place. The people were friendly enough, but he

became frustrated with them rather quickly. Every time he

asked someone where he was, they would answer,

"Uncertain."

After

several "Uncertain" replies, he threw his arms

up in the air and screamed, "Doesn't anybody in this

town know where they are?"

I can

somewhat relate. I know where I am, but as the pressures

of the week pile up, I don't always remember where I'm

going. It just seems like there's more work to do than

there is time to do it. The scream echoes in offices

across the land: "Why can't I get more done?"

Let me offer some reasons that people don't get more

done.

First,

people have unclear goals. Simply stated, a goal is

something at which to aim. If you don't know where you

are going, you probably will miss it when you get there.

Or, a person going nowhere will certainly reach his

destination.

Second,

people have no daily plan. A general routine helps.

Things done at the same time each day or each week are

done much easier and are much more enjoyable.

Third,

people fail to set priorities. What is the most important

thing you need to get done today? Plan a daily schedule

first thing in the morning. Make a list and cross off the

activities as you complete them.

Fourth,

people attempt too much. Or, another way to say this is

we have a hard time saying "no." There are many

important projects going on and many critical causes to

help. Sometimes we have to choose between the good and

the best. Don't spread yourself too thin and learn to say

"no."

Fifth,

people attempt perfectionism. Perfectionists are too

demanding of themselves and of others. No one is perfect

and no day is going to go perfectly. If you expect

perfection, you set yourself up for frustration.

Sixth,

people are disorganized. Their personal life is

disorganized, their business life is disorganized. Keep

things in their place so you won't have to waste time

looking for it. Put things back in their place when you

finish.

Seventh,

indecision causes people not to accomplish as much. Where

shall I start? How should I proceed? Where do we go from

here? Learn to make decisions quickly and move on with

the decision.

Eighth,

people do not manage crises very well. Often people fall

apart when a crisis invades their project or routine. The

work gets bogged down. A crisis can either give you more

determination to get the job done or can drain your

energy and slow you down.

Ninth,

ineffective delegation causes lack of progress.

Evangelist D. L. Moody said, "I'd rather put ten men

to work than to do the work of ten men." Learn to

involve others in the work. You get more done that way.

Tenth,

interruptions halt the work. Interruptions are a constant

challenge. Some can be opportunities and deserve your

time, but many can impede your work. Learn tactfully to

end a phone conversation or diplomatically finish a visit

to your office.

Eleventh,

too many meetings hinder the work. Meetings cost much in

time and produce little results if they aren't organized

and to the point. Have an agenda, stick to the agenda,

and don't chase rabbits. Manage time wisely.

Finally,

people procrastinate. People don't get more done because

they wait until the last minute. Procrastination is a

thief of time. About the only thing that comes to him

that waits is old age. Whatever needs to be done, do it

now!