Many times we cannot work on our priorities because we allow others to intervene with their priorities.  Sometimes we must learn to say no if the interruption prevents us from accomplishing our objectives.

This is a very difficult thing to do–saying no to those who may be important to us.  We may feel that we are letting others down by putting them off.  We must make a very important distinction at this point. There is a big difference between saying yes to someone and then not delivering on a promise.  The greatest cause of the failure of relationships is promising more than you can deliver (even in personal relationships).

If we make those who interrupt understand the importance of the present task and we do not promise them instant action and/or results–they will respect our choices.  They may not be ecstatic about our choice, but they will understand–or at least they will be in a position to understand, rather than be belligerent.

When we accept interruptions, we are letting our priorities and ourselves down.  When we accept interruptions we also risk letting others down–because we will tend to try to accomplish more than one thing.  And as we will find out in my next communication, trying to accomplish many things at once is a deadly sin of poor management.

As Stephen Covey says–First Things First.