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Urgency quiz:
Putting first things first

By Stephen Covey and A. Roger Merrill

Few of us realize how powerfully urgency affects our choices. The phone rings. The baby cries. Someone knocks at the door. A deadline approaches.

Whether you're operating from a paradigm of urgency or one of importance has a profound effect on the results you're getting in your life. Some people get so used to the adrenaline rush of handling crises that they become dependant on it for a sense of excitement and energy. When life is urgent, we feel validated, useful. But it can also be a good excuse for not dealing with the first things in our lives.

How much does urgency control your life? Look at the statements below and rate your behavior to see where you stand on the "Urgency Index."


1. I seem to do my best work when I'm under pressure.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

2. I often blame the rush and press of external things for my failure to spend deep, introspective time with myself.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

3. I am often frustrated by the slowness of people and things around me. I hate to wait or stand in line.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

4. I feel guilty when I take time off work.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

5. I always seem to be rushing between places and events.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

6. I frequently find myself pushing people away so that I can finish a project.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

7. I feel anxious when I'm out of touch with the office for more than a few minutes.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

8. I'm often preoccupied with one thing when I am doing something else.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

9. I'm at my best when I'm handling a crisis situation.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

10. The adrenaline rush from a new crisis seems more satisfying to me than the steady accomplishment of long-time results.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

11. I often give up quality time with important people in my life to handle a crisis.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

12. I assume people will naturally understand if have to disappoint them or let things go in order to handle a crisis.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

13. I rely on solving some crisis to give my day a sense of meaning and purpose.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

14. I often eat lunch or other meals while I work.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

15. I keep thinking that someday I'll be able to do what I really want to do.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never

16. A huge stack in my "out" basket at the end of the day makes me feel like I've really been productive.
Always
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never


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