Tyranny of the Urgent

I read a book this week called “The Tyranny of the Urgent”. It is a classic written by Charles Hummel in 1967 which offers ideas and illustrations for effective time management. You and I can only imagine the irony that Charles Hummel was writing about Time Management issues before most families had 2 cars, cell phones, computers, cable TV, the internet, social media, etc.   Imagine how different his book would be today if he took into account all these extra added stressors…or would it?

In 1967 there were 24 hours in a day and there are still just 24 hours in a day.

How we manage our time is really what matters. There are so many things in life to juggle but it comes down to battling the urgent in favor of the important.   Do you know the difference?  The urgent issues are those things that come screaming at you and demand your immediate attention – whether they are important or not. These urgent issues distract you and keep you off balance.  Important items are those things you have prioritized in your life that are critical to accomplishing that which you have been called by God to accomplish.  How do you recognize the difference between the Urgent and Important?  How do you corral all the demands on your time?  How do you prioritize?  What is the biblical example of how to handle time management? 

Next week – the answers to these questions.  In the meantime, consider budgeting your time.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!