Creating Urgency: Igniting the Momentum to Move Forward
Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential in 2025
Excerpted from Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through Inner Growth, Momentum, and Impact by Iann Schonken at Amazon.com.
A ticking clock holds a profound power in that it awakens the part of us that knows time is precious and potential is fragile. When we learn to harness a sense of urgency, we tap into an energy that propels us forward—an inner fire that won’t let us delay what truly matters. Without urgency, dreams remain ideas. But with it, even the biggest goals begin to take shape.
Urgency isn’t about panic or rushing without purpose. It’s about focus. It’s about clarity. It’s the disciplined decision to act now, to take the next step, and to not allow tomorrow to steal what today could begin.
At its core, urgency is the profound understanding that we only get one life—and that each moment is an invitation to build something meaningful. It drives us to prioritize what matters most, to stop procrastinating, and to start showing up with intention. The presence of urgency is what pushes us to do what we said we’d do—especially when no one else is watching.
A sense of urgency helps us overcome the pull of procrastination. It’s the voice that reminds us we won’t always have more time later. It brings purpose to our daily routines, guiding our focus to what’s truly important. When we live with urgency, we work smarter, accomplish more, and align our actions with our values.
Without it, opportunities slip through our fingers. Potential goes unrealized. The days pass, and we’re left wondering why we feel stuck. Abraham Lincoln once said, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” ¹
That statement still cuts to the heart. Responsibility doesn’t disappear when we delay it—it just gets heavier.
To cultivate urgency, clarity must come first. Understanding our goals and the timeline for achieving them ignites a passion within us. Goals without timelines remain wishes. But when we give them a deadline—when we decide, “This will be done by then”—we light the fuse.
That clarity is further sharpened when we know our priorities. Not everything important is perceived as urgent. But some things should be. Learning to recognize which actions will make the most profound difference and putting those first helps us stay efficient and intentional.
Another strategy that fuels urgency is breaking larger tasks into smaller, doable steps. When something feels overwhelming, we’re more likely to put it off. But when we take the time to divide it into pieces, we create momentum. Every small win builds motivation for the next.
Focus is another key. Distractions steal more time than we realize. By creating an environment that supports our productivity—whether that’s turning off notifications, clearing a space to work, or carving out protected time—we send a message to ourselves that this moment matters.
Time management techniques like time blocking or the Pomodoro Method can also help structure our urgency. These tools build rhythm into our day, allowing focused sprints of productivity followed by short, restorative breaks. Over time, this rhythm creates a sustainable sense of urgency without burnout.
For those who walk in faith, urgency has a spiritual dimension. It’s not just about ambition—it’s about alignment. Life follows a divine rhythm, and at times, urgency arises from recognizing when the opportunity arises and the moment is now. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) affirms this truth:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
There’s a sacred weight to timing, and urgency helps us honor that.
William James reminded us, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ²
This kind of intentional living gives meaning to every action. Mahatma Gandhi echoed the same truth when he said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” ³
It serves as a reminder that the present constantly shapes the future.
Benjamin Franklin offered this sobering insight: “You may delay, but time will not.” ⁴
Time is always moving. Whether we act or not, the clock ticks on. That’s why the sense of urgency is so vital—it honors time as the nonrenewable resource it is.
Even in our urgency, there’s wisdom in pacing. Legendary coach John Wooden offered this profound advice: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” ⁵
Move forward with energy, yes—but not recklessness. Urgency isn’t about speed alone; it’s about purpose.
There are practical ways to stir urgency in your life. Sharing your goals with someone else brings accountability. When we speak our intentions out loud, we’re more likely to follow through. Visualizing the end result can also stir motivation. When you picture what success looks and feels like, urgency often follows.
Rewarding yourself for progress—no matter how small—creates positive reinforcement. Celebration reinforces consistency. Regularly reflecting on your progress can also rekindle your passion. Progress is fuel, and taking time to notice it builds belief that more is possible.
Finally, keep inspiration nearby. Surround yourself with quotes, books, podcasts, and people who speak life into your purpose. Let their words stir something in you. Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” ⁶
Don’t wait for perfection. Don’t wait until the conditions are ideal. Start now. Start with what you have. Start where you are.
Urgency won’t let you settle for someday. It calls for you today. Into action. Into motion. It turns “I will” into “I am.”
REFERENCES
Abraham Lincoln, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/abraham_lincoln_101733
William James, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/william_james_105643
Mahatma Gandhi, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.azquotes.com/quote/519829#google_vignette
Benjamin Franklin, “You may delay, but time will not.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/benjamin_franklin_101831
John Wooden, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/be-quick-but-dont-hurry/
Zig Ziglar, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/zig_ziglar_617778