# How to Apply the 5 Choices for Daily Focus & Productivity ### Choice 1: Act on the Important, Don’t React to the Urgent This is **Quadrant II thinking** from Covey—**focusing on what is important but not urgent** (like planning, relationships, creative work), instead of getting sucked into **urgent but less important tasks** (emails, meetings, other people’s priorities). **How to Apply It Daily:** - **Pause and Ask:** “Is this Important or just Urgent?” - **Daily Filter:** Before diving into your inbox or tasks, ask: - Does this align with my most important work (Q2)? - Will this move the needle toward my quarterly/weekly goals? - **Say “No” (or “Not Now”)** to tasks that don’t serve your priorities. ### Choice 2: Go for Extraordinary, Don’t Settle for Ordinary This is about **clarity of vision**—getting clear on **what success looks like for you**, not just ticking off tasks. **How to Apply It Daily:** - **Start Your Day with Purpose:** Ask, _“What would make today extraordinary?”_ - **Set Outcomes, Not Just Tasks:** Instead of “Work on blog,” say **“Draft 500 words on leadership blog”**—clarity boosts motivation and focus. - **Connect to Your Values:** Each morning, mentally link your tasks to your values (e.g., “Writing this article serves my value of growth and contribution”). ### Choice 3: Schedule the Big Rocks, Don’t Sort Gravel* This is **Covey’s “Big Rocks” principle** in daily action—**put the most important things on your calendar first** so they don’t get crowded out by “gravel” (emails, small tasks). **How to Apply It Daily:** - **Identify Your Big Rocks Daily:** What are the **1-3 most important things** you must advance today? - **Time-Block Them:** Actually schedule time in your calendar for those tasks. - **Protect the Time:** Treat those blocks like appointments with yourself. Example: | **Time Blocked** | **Big Rock Task** | | ---------------- | --------------------------- | | 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Write Leadership Blog Draft | | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Team Process Review Prep | | 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Call Daughter | ### Choice 4: Rule Your Technology, Don’t Let It Rule You This is about **taking control of email, notifications, and digital tools**—so they support your focus, instead of hijacking it. **How to Apply It Daily:** - **Batch Email & Messages:** Check **2-3 times a day** instead of constantly. - **Turn Off Notifications:** Silence non-essential alerts. - **Use the “Two-Minute Rule” for Email:** If a reply takes less than 2 minutes, do it; if not, schedule it. - **Clean Task System:** Whether it’s Microsoft To Do, Todoist, or paper—keep a simple, trusted system. ### Choice 5: Fuel Your Fire, Don’t Burn Out This is **Covey’s “Sharpen the Saw” (Habit 7)**—**managing your energy and mental clarity** so you stay sharp, productive, and healthy. **How to Apply It Daily:** - **Mind:** Start with quiet time, journaling, or reflection. - **Body:** Move daily, even if it’s a short walk. - **Heart:** Connect with someone—spouse, friend, colleague. - **Spirit:** Pray, read Scripture, or reflect on your “why.” **Example of a 5 Choices-Inspired Day** | **Time** | **Focused on the Important (Big Rocks)** | | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | 7:00 – 7:30 AM | Prayer, Reflection, Plan the Day | | 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Deep Work: Draft Blog Post | | 11:00 – 11:30 AM | Emails & Quick Tasks | | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Prepare for Team Process Review | | 3:00 – 3:30 PM | Walk/Break | | 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Call Family Member | | 4:30 – 5:00 PM | Email Wrap-Up & Review Tomorrow’s Plan | ### Mindset Shifts That Help with Focus - **Progress > Perfection:** Small wins on important tasks each day = long-term success. - **Protect Your Focus:** Focus time is sacred—**guard it like a meeting with your boss**. - **Be Intentional:** Start each day **on offense**, not defense (inbox-checking).