Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest presidents and provided many insights into accomplishing things in an effective manner. The core of his effectiveness was something that is still meaningful today. But first lets look at something that is happening today and then we will come back to this. Many people today are checking their E-mail numerous times a day, multitasking and basically stretching about as much as you can stretch a person. They are dealing with a lot of stress. Many people admit they are not very effective, although they are extremely busy.
Abraham Lincoln had a way of dealing with this type of situation. He had a principle that he followed very diligently. Whenever he had something to do, he put his whole mind into it and he held concentration and focus until the task was completed. He did not do anything else until he was completed with what he was doing. He went from one thing to the next, but only when he had completed each thing fully. He did not alter from that principle. This principle was at the core of his effectiveness. His full attention was focused on the one thing that he was doing.
When you consider the magnitude and importance of the things he was dealing with as a president, this is of great significance in relation to business. One of the greatest challenges in today’s business environment is for you to be as effective and productive as possible. There may not be an abundance of workers involved in your endeavor. Abraham Lincoln lived in the moment, not rushing to the next thing. How much more effective could you be, if you were able to do this and reduce your stress level? How much more effective could your business be if you were able to put this into practice? This takes commitment and discipline to live in the moment and not be distracted by other things that also need to be accomplished. Being results oriented is much more effective than being activity focused.
Garry Haggart, CPC is a management, marketing and performance development consultant and facilitator. He can be reached at 661-259-2530.