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Urgency – The Press of Time

Orloj03One thing that strikes me as I read biographies of the great contributors to our history is a certain trait they all seemed to have in common: an urgent awareness of the press of time.  It seems that most people who wind up doing great things are a little impatient about getting them done. 

When Abraham Lincoln lost his last election (prior to finally winning the Presidency), his law partner told the story of Lincoln's dejection.  Lincoln supposedly had always felt he was called to accomplish great things, and suddenly felt that his time was up.  Theodore Roosevelt was famously impatient to accomplish greatness, perhaps to a fault.  I could list many more.  Other leaders, it seems, awoke to their calling once in the throes of some great challenge.  It was only at that point that they grew impatient, understanding the fleeting nature of time.

In all cases, though, leaders come to understand how important time is in their quests.  There is simply not enough time to do everything.  When hit with a great challenge, when in pursuit of a vision, leaders suddenly switch things into a higher gear.  What used to be entertaining isn't so entertaining anymore.  What used to be relaxing only stresses them out more.  Priorities suddenly become apparent, and leaders begin focusing on the "great" things and realize they can't do every "good" thing that comes along.  It's called a sense of urgency, and it is the mark of a genuine leader. 

Understand: you will not live forever.  As the Roman ruler Marcus Aurelius said, "Do not live as though you have a thousand years."  Make your time count.  Once it's gone, it's gone.    

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5 responses to “Urgency – The Press of Time”

  1. DaveC Avatar
    DaveC

    Chris,
    Thanks a lot for these thoughts. I have always had a sense of destiny in my life, but wondered what I was meant to do. Nothing I was aware of seemed right. I think that God was just preparing me for the TEAM. I have been on Dean Frey’s team for about six years and have had some pretty big struggles in that time. Since we have joined The TEAM the struggles have not gone away, but now I have a sense that I have finally found the vehicle that God has for me to fulfill His destiny for me. I now need to act on the impatience in my heart to do what I was meant to do. God bless you and yours.
    DaveC

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  2. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    Dave C:
    So many leaders I have gotten to know over the years share your feeling about destiny. They have sensed for a long time that God built them for something great. There is no better feeling in the world than acting in alignment with God’s purpose for your life, and discovering one’s calling. God bless you on your journey of discovery!
    Chris

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  3. Kevin Thompson Avatar
    Kevin Thompson

    You’ve always had that sense of urgency, Brady. I couldn’t agree with you more. In one of his books, Pat Conroy writes, “Man’s last great surprise is the swiftness of time.” When I competed in track at the University of Tennessee, I was part of one of the best decathlon programs in the country. Everyday, there was a sense of urgency to get better. With a limited number of days, the name of the game was to squeeze more productivity out of each day than your opponent. Of course, certain athletes had more God given talent, but at the college level, everyone was talented. I had the privilege of training with future world record holder and Olympic gold medalist in the 100 meter dash, Justin Gatlin, future Olympic Gold medalist in the pole vault, Tim Mack, NCAA record holder and future world champion in the decathlon, Tom Pappas, and NCAA champion in the decathlon Steven Harris. Sure they were all talented. But they all noticeably had an internal clock that buzzed constantly. Tom Pappas would often ask me, “Did you get better today?” When the goal is clearly defined, and you only have a certain number of days to prepare, the sense of urgency is palpable. In the sports world, it’s easy to conceptualize the importance of “urgency.” Beyond sports, the trick is to clearly identify the target, set a date, and aim to get closer daily. As your writings suggest, all too often, people get comfortable and quit challenging themselves because “it’s easy.” I’m glad you’re writing, Brady. I hope more people check out your articles and take you up on your challenge to leadership.

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  4. Chris Brady Avatar
    Chris Brady

    To everyone (in response to Kevin Thompson’s post):
    Kevin’s comments are awesome. As a nationally ranked, full scholarship, collegiate athlete (and I am sure there are a bunch more titles to put on there) Kevin Thompson knows what he is talking about. Both he and his wife Sharon, (who is one of the top women’s distance runners in North America, and a candidate for the Olympics)are incredibly talented athletes (Kevin even did a back flip in my living room!), but their accolades came from thousands of hours of hard work away from the crowds. Competing at their level requires a sense of urgency and a discipline that transcends anything “normal” people experience. The Thompsons are incredible examples of what can be achieved when one focuses, disciplines themselves to do what is necessary, fosters that competitive spirit, seeks and listens to top-level mentoring, and stays the course.
    Thanks for your comments, Kevin! It’s great to have you contributing here. I hope everyone learns from your example!
    Chris

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  5. Tony Tefel Avatar
    Tony Tefel

    Anytime Pat and I have shared our thoughts at a Brady/Woodward promotion, Orrin has always asked us to speak about “why  have you stuck” or “finishing strong”, alluding to the four decades that we have been in this industry. Each time my thoughts have been spontaneous, and I came up with, at least something. Last time at his home in Columbiaville Michigan I realized what I must say, the next time I am asked. My answer will have everything to do with what you wrote about in this blog. I have never been personally mentored  by Orrin, but I have been, through his CDs and books. I’m sure this is what he would have told me if we were face-to-face, and what he wants us to tell the team. 
     “There is a price to leadership,
    There is a pain to leadership,
    There is a pleasure to leadership,
    There is a purpose to leadership,
    Pay it! And time is running out.”
    So, whether you’re 20 or 66, to everything, there is a season and a time, and the time is now!

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