There is a five-step process (which follows the acronym EMPTY) you can follow to scan your life for potential action points, and position yourself to do work you’ll be proud of later. While the approach described below is introduced in a work context, any and all of these questions can benefit you in any aspect of your life. It’s impossible to truly separate your “work” life from your “personal” life, so there is little difference between the demands on your time from your job or your family and friends. You still have only so many resources to go around, and you have to get good at how you allocate them. Feel free to adapt the process to fit your needs and to help you gain traction on what matters most to you.
E: Focus on your Ethics
- Look at today’s appointments, commitments, and tasks
- Consider how you will apply your ethic to each of them
- Consider potential pitfalls
M: Focus on your Mission
- What change will exist today as a result of my efforts?
- What isn’t already represented?
- What needs to go away?
P: Focus on People
- Who will you interact with today?
- Are there any open relational loops to close?
- How can you serve others today?
T: Focus on Tasks
- Consider your daily priorities
- Define your projects
Y: Focus on You
- What will you do today to develop yourself?
- What do you need to start moving on?
- Be grateful
- Dream a little
The best way to nurture and fall in love with process is by implementing these daily checkpoints to keep you doing the things that truly matter. By doing so, you will ensure that you have points of traction in the right places, and you will at least be making intentional decisions about what you choose not to do. When it comes to minimizing later regrets, intentionality and structure form the keystone.
* Source: Die Empty by Todd Henry