Who Pays The Price When You Are Being Ineffective?

We all know that there are certain attributes that all successful business owners possess. Taking action and acting on the ‘urgent’ issues are two such characteristics that really define those who do well.

I don’t know abut you but I have had days where I have felt really busy, but at the end of the day I didn’t feel like I’d really accomplished anything. These are the days when I have been ineffective working on all the ‘important’ things like, answering my emails, filing, tidying my desk, posting messages on facebook page etc - but where has it really got me?

Here are three questions to help you decipher the important tasks from the urgent.

1. “If I could only do three things today, what would I feel the most fulfilled in doing?”

2. What impact will these things have on growing or developing my business? In the short term, long term and in my overall vision?

3. What action am I going to take right NOW?

And if you are still reading, I hope the story below motivates you into action.


A Mumpreneur came home from work late again. She was tired and feeling irritated. Her 7-year old daughter was waiting for her at the door.
Daughter: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?'
Mum: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the mum.
Daughter: 'Mummy, how much do you make in an hour?'
Mum: 'That's none of your business. The mum said angrily.
Daughter: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, what do you make in an hour?'
Mum: 'Fine. I make £30 an hour.'
Daughter: ' Oh’, the little girl replied, with her head down. 'Mummy, may I please borrow £15.00?'

The Mother was mad, 'If the only reason you asked me is so you can borrow some money to buy some silly toy or some other nonsense, then you can march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such selfish behaviour.' The little girl quietly went to her room and closed the door.

The mumpreneur sat down and felt even more angry about her daughters' questions. How dare she ask such questions to get some money? After about an hour or so, the mum had calmed down , and started to think: Maybe there was something she really needed with the £15.00 and she really didn't ask for much money.

The mum went to the door of the little girl's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep?' She asked. 'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the little girl. 'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the mum. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the £15 you asked for.'

The little girl sat up straight, smiling. 'Oh, thank you mummy!' she yelled. Then, reaching under her pillow she pulled out some crumpled up notes. The mum saw that the little girl already had money, she started to feel angry again. The little girl slowly counted out her money, and then looked up at her mum. 'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mum grumbled. Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little girl replied.

'Mummy, I have £30 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.'

Remember, you've got a life to live so getting your work done IS urgent otherwise you (and those you love) pay the price.