Reader's biggest pain #1- "Sometimes I feel like I can't get it all done. I have so many opportunities, it's tough to get them all done".
We can get caught up in a tidal wave of tasks, requests, and attractive options.
Here are 5 questions I ask myself to efficiently prioritize my day.
1. What do I value the most in my life? By completing a values exercise, you can bring clarity to what brings you the biggest return on your time investment. This is a key element to choosing important tasks over those that are deemed urgent but may not return the same benefit to you.
2. What are the most important tasks I want to complete by day's end? When are you planning on leaving your daily career tasks to focus on self or family time? Draw the line there, and now you can realistically schedule your day with only tasks that will fit into that preset time frame.
3. What will happen if I don't get a particular task done? This will help you determine which tasks should absolutely stay and which could be pushed back to tomorrow's list.
4. What will I sacrifice by saying yes to another work project today? This is a tough reality. We have our daily schedule set and someone or something has a request for our time. Think hard before just saying yes.
5. Can I live with the consequences of saying no? If the consequences of saying no are not something you can live with, figure out what else you can drop or move to tomorrow. Before you make that decision, be sure the consequences are real.
Check out my blog from 6/18/2019 titled, "Where do I find more time in my day" for more detailed ideas of managing your day. I always liked this list below.
10 work habits to help avoid late nights
1. Start each day with a plan. At least create a to- do list and spend the first 15 minutes of your day reviewing and prioritizing those tasks before plunging in. At best have clearly set long term goals, (that support your values), with a strategy for each tied into your daily tasks- so you can determine priorities.
2. Delegate. Scan your to-do lists for items you can delegate. Be sure to communicate your desire early and with a clear end goal.
3. Control interruptions. Don’t just respond to the emails, texts, or phone calls as they come in. Determine their importance and be sure to respond now, if important. Set aside 3- 4 times a day that you respond to the others.
4. If possible, work during your peak performance cycle. If you are a morning person- start and leave early. If you are a slow riser- start later and leave later. Be sure to start each day with an end time so you don’t start early and work late.
5. Avoid personal tasks at work. Deal with emergencies- but leave the rest for your downtime at home. These outside tasks will cloud your focus.
6. Draw the line. Go home when you planned to. Let the phone ring after that time you determined was the end of the day. Create a draw- the- line ritual to clarify when the rest of your life can begin.
7. Rely on texts or email, for those communications that do not need face- to- face clarity. Be sure to be succinct with your messages.
8. Review your technology. Updates create efficiency and less wait time when working on them- especially when surfing the net.
9. Automate. If a routine task can be automated- do it, period.
10. Brendon Burchard’s 5 X 50 formula. Check out his website- good stuff.
Let me know if this helps. Important over urgent. What will you get done today that will impact you for years to come?
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