Timely and Timeless

The Financial Crossroads has two authors. We’re discussing the intersection of MONEY and LIFE. The duality throughout the book is purposeful and intentional, and one of the rhythms in each chapter is the balance of foundational timeless truths upon which we can rely along with the practical timely applications which we can directly and immediately apply to our lives. In his nationally syndicated column, my friend and co-author, Jim Stovall, took the time to discuss this important concept that we thought you’d enjoy for this week’s Conversation. I know that you’ll resonate with Jim’s sentiments, and Jim and I would love to hear YOUR stories of how timeless truths have “interrupted” your timely daily pursuits recently. (You can do so by posting a comment at the bottom of this column…)

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Timely and Timeless

by Jim Stovall

This morning, as is my usual habit, I awoke in the four o’clock hour and began planning my day. This is a habit I enjoy as it enables me to get a head start on most of the rest of the world. As I was planning my activities, I was reminded of my motto that “Anything worth doing is worth planning, and anything worth planning is worth doing.” After going through my schedule, and checking on any overnight messages, I read until it was time to go to my breakfast meeting with our corporate staff at Narrative Television Network.

Everything seemed planned and organized until I received a call that my mother was in the hospital, and they were running tests to determine the nature of the problem. All of a sudden, each of the timely things I had planned for the day faded into insignificance in the light of the timeless truth that our loved ones are one of life’s priorities. Thankfully, Mom was fine and left the hospital later in the morning.

It is important that we strike a balance between timely activities and timeless values. Without the timely activities, we will never create all of the value in the world that we otherwise could; but without timeless values, the daily activities have no purpose.

Recently, I co-authored a book with Tim Maurer, CFP® (www.TheFinancialCrossroads.com). In the book, Tim deals with all of the timely financial tips that each of us needs to address in order to reach our financial goals. I deal with the timeless principles without which financial success cannot be achieved.

Timeless values teach us about the things that are important in the perspective of our entire life and even beyond. These principles are the roadmap that show us our destination and the priority of getting there. Timely activities are the simple, routine tasks such as filling our car with gas, getting on the right road, and taking the correct exit. These timely activities make it possible to reach the destination embodied by our timeless values.

In business, we describe some people as “big picture” people, and others as “detail” people. Big picture people are those who see into the distance and make sure we are all going where we want to be. Detail people make each of the minute-by-minute and day-by-day steps necessary to move toward that big picture destination. Without both priorities, we don’t succeed.

These two tasks cannot be totally compartmentalized in an organization or even within a person. If the big picture people are not aware of the time, effort, energy, and cost necessary to reach the goal, they cannot be effective. The detail people cannot perform with excellence and enthusiasm if they don’t know where they’re going. You and I, as individuals, have to straddle that same fence. We’ve got to constantly keep our eye on the big prize in the distance while being ever mindful of the next step before us.

As you go through your day today, focus on your timeless values as you prioritize your timely tasks.

Today’s the day!

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082, or by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com.