Keep these Three Keys in mind while reading:
1 – Getting the work done is more important than the plan to get it done;
2 – Do what matters most, even if that means reshuffling priorities;
3 – If you do what matters most, everything else will fall into place.
In my most recent #10at10withKen I talked about having a perfectly planned week go sideways on me. I was in California with my sister to take my dad to his cath lab procedure to see if he was a good candidate for TAVR – transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
It was a day-stay procedure, followed by rest at home. We were there to monitor him, and I had planned the three days post-procedure to a “T.” Core Four – body, being, balance, and business – at the hotel (thank you, Warrior!) Over to dad’s. Some quality time with him and my sis. Work from his home. Blast through everything on my list each day. Depart for home having supported him and accomplished all of my goals. Feel like Superman. Easy.
That plan lasted one morning.
While at the hospital, we discovered that there were five other diagnostic tests that needed to take place prior to him meeting with his physician to review and evaluate the results. Since neither my sister or I live locally, that would have meant multiple trips back and forth.
We worked together with the nurse, and managed to get everything scheduled before we needed to leave town, including the evaluative meeting with his MD. At the end of the trip, in what should have been a moment of celebration, I found myself upset and angry. Things hadn’t gone to plan! Not all of the stuff on my list got done!
Thankfully, I was able to coach myself very quickly, using language that I won’t include here. What kept echoing in my head was what my dad said at the end of the meeting with his doctor: “I feel calm and confident, and I’m looking forward to getting this done.”
He thanked my sister and me for everything we had contributed to make sure that the procedure was going to go smoothly. He told us that his mind was at ease, and he was thinking about how good he was going to feel with a new valve.
Those thoughts stopped me in my tracks and I reviewed what happened:
The most important thing that needed to get done was to make sure everything was in order so my dad could schedule his valve replacement.
DONE.
The second most important thing was to finish the final edits for my book.
DONE.
The third most important thing was to select the final cover art choices for my book.
DONE.
So, what was left? Administrative trivia. A bunch of busy work that I often elevate above what matters most because it was part of “the plan.” It’s no coincidence that I started reading The ONE Thing by Keller/Papasan on the flight home that day. What did I take away from that experience? The Three Keys that I began with:
1 – Getting the work done is more important than the plan to get it done;
2 – Do what matters most, even if that means reshuffling priorities;
3 – If you do what matters most, everything else will fall into place.