Stephen Covey wrote about the essential Quadrant 2, where activities live that are Important, but not Urgent. It is so easy to neglect work that falls in this category, principally because it doesn’t make its way onto your calendar.
I find myself with an empty-ish schedule, tricking my brain into thinking I am “free,” but if I look at the projects I could/should be completing, they are all important tasks, just ones without a deadline. This includes things like updating the syllabus from my last class, completing a final report for a project, and categorizing past dots. There is no due date, so it’s up to me to find the motivation to work on them.
Quadrant 2 activities also include personal enhancements such as fitness and relationships. Unless (and until) I make them a priority or put them on the calendar, those, too, often get pushed aside for less important but compelling time-fillers.
It’s a curse of formal education that we are trained to live by the deadline. Assignments are due. Class periods are structured. Our many years of schooling are externally driven, and we don’t always learn how to prioritize and do the Q2 tasks.
Take a moment today to break that pattern. Translate something important into a deadline. Commit to calling a friend by Sunday. Identify a specific time to do some reflection. Add time to your calendar to start a Q2 project. Schedule time to go for a walk.
It’s the important that urgently needs our attention.
