One of the lawyers I learned from early in my career achieved great success by being disciplined in keeping the legal matters he was assigned moving forward. In litigation, he was known for his style of pushing others to act. He would not only give each matter his urgent attention but would also call and speak with others frequently to get them to give the case the same priority. His relentless attention to moving the case along helped him get better results for his clients and earned him the great respect of his peers.
 
Controlling the pace or rhythm of the game is also vitally important in all sorts of competitive athletics. Some basketball teams are far more successful with a fast break style of play while others win more often with a more deliberate strategy. And elite track athletes must avoid the urge to chase rabbits are the beginning of the race and instead maintain their own rhythm that will enable them to have a strong kick at the end.
 
Outstanding leaders also understand the importance of controlling the pace. They resist letting events and people around them slow them down or make them hurry at a rhythm that is not their most efficient. They know what pace suits them best and they stick to it despite what goes on around them.
 
Are you letting the others make you run at a pace that isn't best for you? Has your life become too hectic to allow you to think clearly and devote time to the things that are important, but not urgent? Or do you drag your feet and procrastinate too much often because others are doing the same? Do you understand the pace at which you work best and try to maintain it?
 
This week, control your pace. Don't get so caught up in the steam of life that you neglect the rhythm that suits you best. Understand your best rhythm and stick to it despite all that may be going on around you.

  
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