THE URGENCY INDEX (Covey)

Circle the number that best represents your normal behavior or attitude using this scale.

0 = Never 1 = Rarely 2 = Sometimes 3 = Often 4 = Always

_____ 1. I seem to do my best work when I am under pressure.

_____ 2. I often blame the rush and press of external things for my failure to spend deep,

introspective time with myself.

_____ 3. I’m often frustrated by the slowness of people and things around me. I hate to

wait or stand in line.

_____ 4. I feel guilty when I take time off from work.

_____ 5. I always seem to be rushing between places and events.

_____ 6. I frequently find myself pushing people away so that I can finish a project.

_____ 7. I feel anxious when I’m out of touch with the office for more than a few

minutes.

_____ 8. I’m often precoccupied with one thing when I’m doing something else.

_____ 9. I’m at my best when I’m handling a crisis situation.

_____ 10. The adrenaline rush from a new crisis seems more satisfying to me than the

accomplishment of long-term results.

_____ 11. I often give up quality time with important people in my life to handle a crisis.

_____ 12. I assume people will naturally understand if I have to disappoint them or let

things go to handle a crisis.

_____ 13. I rely on solving some crisis to give my day a sense of meaning and purpose.

_____ 14. I often eat lunch or other meals while I work.

_____ 15. I keep thinking that someday I’ll be able to do what I really want to do.

_____ 16. A huge stack in my “out” basket at the end of the day makes me feel like I’ve

been really productive.

Total Score:____________

0-25 Low urgency mindset, 26-45 Strong urgency mindset, 46+ Urgency addiction
Covey's four quadrant strategy:

 Judge yourself . Which is your quadrant .