Recently studies have come out that prove something I’ve taught for years. People who try to do multiple things at once do them all relatively poorly.
So how can we get everything done?
There are basically a couple of answers. The second answer is to totally focus on what we’re doing and do it as well and as rapidly as we can.
The first and most important answer is to do the most important things first.
Will You Take This Challenge?
A hundred years ago in the early days of consulting, Charles Schwab, President of Bethlehem Steel brought in Ivy Lee, a consultant who made him an offer Schwab couldn’t refuse.
“I can increase your people’s efficiency – and your sales – if you will allow me to spend 15 minutes with each of your executives. It won’t cost you anything unless it works. After 3 months you can send me a check for whatever you feel it’s worth to you.”
Next day, Ivy met with each executive and got their agreement to one single thing.
Focus Gets Dramatic Results
“I want you to promise me that for the next 90 days, before leaving your office at the end of the day, you will make a list of the 6 most important things you have to do the next day and number them in their order of importance.
“Scratch off each item after finishing it, and go on to the next one on your list. If something doesn’t get done, put it on the following day’s list.”
Schwab studied the results 3 months later and, at a time the average US worker made $2/day, he sent Ivy Lee a check for $35,000. That’s about 50 years worth of pay for a solitary idea.
So I’m challenging you to do the same! Will you take it?
Ivy Lee wants you to make a promise for 90 days.
