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| Determining What Is Important |
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In taking medical histories during my orthopaedic surgical practice certain patients would have 20 or so important complaints-- e.g. left foot, low back, and right knee pain. After asking the patient which of their 20 are most important to her, she might say the right knee.
By contrast, my immediate impression might have been the low back. However, following the complete medical history taking, performing a physical examination, reading the patient's x-rays, reviewing thick medical records, and doing pertinent research, my initial impression of the most important might now be the left foot. A painful left foot can alter the normal biomechanical balance of the lower part of the body and thereby cause pain in the low back which, in turn, can cause pain in the right knee. Hence, treat first the left foot. Note that much detailed work of many types is needed to decide what is the most important of several options. One of the top five problems I notice in people is their inability to determine what is important. The tendency is to elevate what is familiar into the MVP (most valuable player) position. As a result, the chances of doing something important in life are slim to none because with no idea of what is important one can have no goal-and no "stretching" in order to achieve. In setting out on any journey a sound philosophy of life (POL) and stepping stone goals are required (e.g. immediate, short term, intermediate, long term, and ultimate). The ultimate goal is the most important because, by keeping it in focus when decisions are made about each of the other goals, ones actions stay pointed straight ahead. It also eliminates the "little boy in a candy store" syndrome (i.e. scattered attractive attractions). Nothing important will be done when one is scattered. A sound POL fashions Paradigms (like the dough from which you fashion different types of cookies). From paradigms you immediately, and without thinking, make choices, decisions, and solutions that are right in the long term. Things important in life to do are not necessarily what we like. Yet, to make the best choices for your POL requires access to your Pure Feelings and sharpened Rational Thinking skills. Make your own decisions! Since the single most important way to start developing Rational Thinking skills is to think about every thing you do and have a reason for doing what you do, there is no better place to start than with Time and Energy Management. This pertains to the thoughtful work related to research; to engaging in reflective thinking for determining what is important; to having a deadline for doing all that has to be done and then getting it done ahead of schedule; and to doing things or to selecting people that will generate the greatest effectiveness ("that which works") and efficiency ("doing it quickly"). The focus is on the Essence of whatever is under consideration. Essence is either a summary of the most important essential qualities; the most significant quality; or the ideal pattern of something's form of being. Answer daily the question: "What is the single most important thing to me?-and Why?" In general, what is important is that which does the most good, for the most people (or oneself), and over the longest period of time. If you set a goal, then that is a promise-and keeping your word is more important than any "want to" option. Of all the goals you set, your Legacy goal is the most important. Once you decide on what is important, then stay focused on that thing and start each day doing or taking care of the most important things first.
Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D. |
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