GNT #52: 🎯 What all top achievers have in common (it might surprise you)

read time: 1.5 minutes
 
 
Today, we're exploring a trait that distinguishes top achievers in any field -- a sense of urgency.

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👉 The One Thing All Top Achievers Have in Common: A Sense of Urgency

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Have you ever noticed how some people just have an infectious energy?

It's more than just passion, but an acute sense of urgency.

Not about rushing through tasks, but feeling and executing with purpose and promptness.

When I come across someone in my network, professional world, or personal life that exudes this type of energy -- it's hard not to get excited!

The harsh truth...

Many are content to wait, move slowly, or just observe.

But top achievers? They're making things happen.

☝️

Why urgency matters

Urgency drives constructive change.

It's crucial for self-management, leadership, entrepreneurship, and solving complex problems.

In fact research shows that proactive behavior leads to better job performance, team success, career growth, and overall happiness.

[source: net positive results of behaving proactively in 20 year study]

But beware the risks...

Urgency without strategy can lead to mistakes.

It's about finding the balance between swift action and thoughtful planning.

Practical examples of urgency

• Shorten those 60-minute meetings to 30 minutes. You'll be surprised how much more focused and productive they become.
• Why wait a week to respond to customers when you can do it in an hour? Stand out by being responsive.
• Over-planning can lead to missed opportunities. Top achievers strategize, plan, act, learn, and move on with even more experience.

Cultivating a sense of urgency

It can be challenging to teach or learn a greater sense of urgency, but not impossible.

Here are three strategies to help you infuse a sense of urgency into your upcoming endeavors:

1. Set clear, immediate goals: Break down your projects into smaller tasks with tight deadlines. This approach creates a rhythm of accomplishment and keeps you moving forward.
2. Embrace flexibility: Be ready to adapt and respond quickly to changes. This agility allows you to take advantage of opportunities that slower movers might miss.
3. Radically prioritize: Learn to identify what needs your immediate attention and what can wait. This skill ensures that your urgency is always directed at the most impactful things.

Takeaway and next action

Can you boldly ask yourself now:

"What is one task I've been delaying that I can take immediate action on today?"

⏰ Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on it uninterrupted.

You might just be well on your way to a breakthrough.

Happy new year, friend. See you next week!

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