Life happens at an increasingly faster pace. Ken Blanchard encourages leaders to take time to reflect. The time beside still waters for reflection gets further and further apart, while the white water of activity remains seemingly constant. What are two areas in your life lacking margin? Below are the most common among my clients.

Financially – the average American family spends 103% of their gross income.

Emotionally – a psychologist friend told me that the majority of his clients are emotional exhausted.

Time – smart-phones cannot compensate for over-promising and double booking.

Mentally – information is dispersed at increasing speeds

Too often margin is forfeited through poor planning and reactionary tactics. Intentions without a well-defined approach are not enough. Consider some steps to find margin.

1. Set goals and prioritize your resources to achieve those goals. Ask yourself the question: Where do I want to be in…?

2. Ensure proper direction. How are you going to get there?

3. Focus on the important. What will you say yes to? As importantly, what will you say no to?

4. Identify measurable results. When will you reach your goals?

Leaders making sustainable impact have a laser focus. That laser burns through distractions. It also illuminates the important.

In a fast-paced world it is still possible to achieve results and maintain balance. Leadership for the future requires proactive decisions. You know what is important to you. Decide how you will utilize your resources. Everything you say yes to in the moment will influence what you have to say no to future.

What are you currently involved in that is distracting you from accomplishing a higher-value goal? How do you plan to jettison it? When will you do it?