Today's TQ

Daily Lessons in Intentional Excellence
Tuesday, December 23, 2025

What Are You Doing Right Now?

Take time during your day to review what you've done and where you're headed.

Being busy does not necessarily get you closer to your destination. Keeping yourself on track will.

Today's TQ Challenge: Plan at Least One Step Ahead.

Choose to be PREPARED! Have you checked your prioritized To Do List recently?
Choose to be FORESIGHTFUL! Are you on track with your To Do List today?
Choose to be EFFICIENT! If time's money, what price would you put on your time, right now?

The more you plan ahead, the more you accomplish in the time you have. Planning ahead is a skill that applies equally to your next move, your next task, your next day and your next year. When you look ahead to where you want to go, you can determine in advance what you are going to do, what you're going to need to effectively do it -- and identify the shortest route to get it done.

"It's simply a matter of doing what you do best and not worrying about what the other fellow is going to do." ~ John R. Amos

Think about it. How well and how often do you actually DO Make Plans Factor 5I?

"I plan at least one step ahead of where I am at any point in time."

A high commitment (5I rated 8 or better) suggests you've mastered the basics of planning. You are the role model for efficiency and a master at reducing stress. You always know what you're going to do next and what you're going to need to do it. You know what your schedule holds for tomorrow and exactly where you're supposed to be. By planning ahead, you ordinarily bypass the obstacles that trip up people who only look down at their feet as they rush by in a flurry of misbegotten activity.

On the other hand...

A lack of commitment suggests you complete your tasks one at a time without thinking about your next move. Your progress is rarely a straight line. Instead, it might be better described as a series of random actions in divergent directions. You are often forced to backtrack and redo what you just completed -- because you didn't foresee how it would affect your next move. By failing to plan ahead, you are less efficient and prepared for what to do next. You run in circles -- a lot!

What happens when you CHOOSE to do Factor 5I a bit more frequently?

You're always prepared because you think WIN WIN (What's Important Now... What's Important Next...) You accumulate performance positives like "Prepared, Skillful and Productive" -- immediately moving you towards the results you expect.

What happens when you FAIL to consistently do Factor 5I?

Costly mistakes are made when you fail to plan ahead. Negatives like "Shortsighted, Unprepared and Inefficient" start to take their toll on your performance -- quickly moving you away from the success you want.

Now Ask Yourself This...
Is Factor 5I Causing You Problems?

If you believe this factor is a key performance obstacle -- and that it's preventing you from realizing your personal dreams and goals -- then you need to improve it.

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