You must learn to respond effectively to any external stimuli/situation by asking yourself: 

  • What should be my response?
     
  • What is the best option to take?
     
  • How can you deal with it in the most effective manner and in the least amount of time?
     
  • Can you do something about it right now?
     
  • If you cannot take action on it right now, can you delegate it to someone else?
     
  • Can you afford to keep it pending or delegate it?
     
  • How will you be reminded at the right point of time to check whether appropriate action is being undertaken by those whom you had delegated the work?
     
  • Does your response match with the urgency and importance the stimuli/situation warrants?”