By Gail Suplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
As I thought about what urgency means to me, and the purpose of my message, more forms of urgency opened up and surfaced.
Urgency, by definition, has two meanings. One meaning is of persistence and insistence.
A good example of this meaning is the urgency of the “now” mentality we live in. In this day and age where all of our “conveniences” have made us more accessible, we are expected to be available at a moment’s notice.
With the majority of us carrying our “smart” phones, where we are able to receive calls, texts and emails, with all of the different alert noises attached to each, there is the expectation of the Sender to receive an immediate response.
Where can we hide out? Is it even possible? Yes it is!
It is our choice whether or not we want to be ruled by these types of conveniences. We must set our own expectation so as not to get off the course we have designed for our own lives.
The other definition of urgency is what called me to speak on this topic.
This sense of urgency comes from a much deeper level of human connection.
The older I get, the more important it is for me to regularly connect with my family and friends, to continue making as many memories as I can, that will live on, long after I leave this world.
Adopting this sense of urgency, of high importance, at an earlier age would be incredibly beneficial to emotional health. However, it’s hard to think like that when you’re young and “in the trenches of life”, raising children and all that goes along with that. I would suggest they try.
How can one develop an urgency in life and understand its gravitas?
Here are a few ways:
- Start with yourself. Work on improving yourself and living to your full potential. Believe in yourself. Be just a little bit better than the day before. This can be something small. Take manageable steps. Make small successes. Everyone expects us to have a sense of urgency for life’s big things. Life measures us by how we engage ourselves in the little things. – Bob Proctor
- Take an account of the lives you want to touch. Figure out how you can make an impact and then, get busy! In a gentle way you can shake the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
- Live with passion and purpose. When you live your life that way, you’ll have peace and joy in your heart every day. Follow your passion; it will lead you to your purpose. – Oprah
In living each day with a sense of urgency to say what you need to say, to see who you need to see, to do what you need to do, you will be able to lay your head down at night, knowing that you did all you could that day to make an impact. Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value. – Jim Rohn
What calls your sense of urgency to make a positive impact, to be remembered for something you did, said or acted on, great or small?
Remember, a simple act of kindness can make a tremendous impact on a person’s life.
Be aware of your surroundings, for it goes beyond your immediate sphere.
Be vigilant and look for opportunities to lend a helping hand.
