Avoiding the Tyranny of the Urgent
Charles Hummel once wrote, “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” He called this phenomenon the tyranny of the urgent — the tendency to let loud, demanding tasks control our lives while meaningful, important things wait in the background.
Our calendars, reminders, and notifications are designed to help us be productive, but emotions — especially big emotions — can throw us off course. Parents may notice changes in their teen’s behavior, mood, or school performance but assume it’s just hormones, stress, or a phase. These changes may not feel urgent yet, but they are important signals. Waiting until a crisis arises makes challenges harder to manage.
The Problem: Waiting Too Long
At Logos Horizon, we meet families who have tried therapy, medication adjustments, or school interventions, yet things still feel out of control. Most teens enter IOP or PHP after behaviors have disrupted daily life or created safety concerns, leaving families exhausted and overwhelmed.
The Stakes: Why Acting Matters
Living under the tyranny of the urgent can lead to:
· Reacting instead of responding – putting out fires rather than preventing them
· Being busy but not fulfilled – schedules full, yet family life feels disconnected
· Compromised safety and stability – delaying care may push teens toward crisis
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling
Teens are often the first to sense something is wrong. Look for:
· Overwhelming Emotional Distress – anxiety, depression, or mood swings that affect school, friendships, and self-care
· Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide – persistent thoughts or impulses they can’t manage alone
· Withdrawal and Isolation – avoiding school, activities, or social connections
· Explosive or Risky Behavior – emotional outbursts, running away, or unsafe decisions
· Feeling Hopeless or Misunderstood – expressing that therapy or support “doesn’t help”
Common Parent Experiences
Parents may say:
· “I’m scared to leave my teen alone.”
· “School is a daily battle.”
· “Therapy alone isn’t enough.”
· “Our home feels like it’s in constant crisis.”
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to take action.
How Logos Horizon Can Help
We understand how overwhelming this stage can feel. Our IOP and PHP programs provide:
· Daily therapy, skill-building, and support
· Individual and family sessions
· A structured environment that promotes stability and hope
A Simple Plan
1. Reach Out – Contact our team to discuss your teen’s needs.
2. Assessment & Recommendation – We’ll meet with your teen and your family to create a tailored plan.
3. Begin the Right Level of Care – Your teen enters a structured program designed to help them succeed.
The Outcome: Hope, Stability, and Healing
Choosing IOP or PHP is not a sign of failure. Families who take this step often report:
· Teens feel understood and more stable
· Home life becomes calmer and more connected
· Parents finally have guidance and support from professionals
Take Action Before Urgency Strikes
If you’re noticing concerning behaviors or emotional changes in your teen, don’t wait for a crisis. Prioritizing what is important today can prevent urgent problems tomorrow.
Schedule your free assessment now
