This report includes powerful tips related to prioritizing your tasks. It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information. ©
TOP TIPS
The
adage says, "We all have the same 24 hours a day". Yes, it's a
cliche, and it likely more annoying than helpful - but it is true. We can't
create more time out of thin air, but we can use it more effectively. That is
why prioritizing your tasks is so important. Knowing what you should be working
on and when you should be doing it will only increase your productivity. If you
want to learn more about prioritizing your tasks, read these nine tips:
1. What is Worth Prioritizing?
First
off, you need to figure out what is truly important to you. The tasks you
prioritize should reflect your core values. If you are laser-focused on your
career, then career tasks are naturally more important. If you are
family-first, then you may rank those tasks higher in priority.
2. Make a List
A
great way to start prioritizing is making a list of everything you want to
accomplish. You can focus on the short-term, long-term, or even better - both.
Don't worry about editing as you go; focus on thinking of as many
goals/tasks/todos as you can.
3. Rank Your Priorities List
by Urgency
Take
the list of priorities you create and rank the tasks by urgency. This usually
means ranking the tasks when they are due, but don't forget your core values. A
typical way of breaking these lists up is three categories: Urgent (complete
ASAP), Important (need to address soon, Leisure (can focus on these in your
free time).
4. Break Your Large Tasks into
Smaller Pieces
You
should strive to break your large tasks down. This makes the task more
manageable and lets you have more control over the moving parts. Some smaller
parts of your large task might need to be completed earlier than others. It is
easier to prioritize when you know this.
5. Delegate What You Can
Why
waste time prioritizing the tasks you don't even need to do. Figure out if any
of your tasks can be delegated or outsourced. This will save you time and
energy. You can focus on the more important priorities while the smaller
details are handled by someone else.
6. Set Deadlines for Each Task
Set
some deadlines for each of your tasks. Simply setting a deadline has been shown
to help people follow through. Try to set your deadlines a little earlier than
you need. This will help you stay ahead of things and gives you a buffer if you
can't deliver.
7. Look For Opportunities for
Growth
An
interesting, if a somewhat esoteric tip is to focus on tasks that grant you
growth opportunities. We must continue to broaden our horizons and skillset, so
focusing on tasks that help you do this makes sense. If all else is equal, but one
task allows you to learn something new, or update your current skills, choose
that one.
8. Start With Your Most
Important Task
Another
classic tip that you might have heard referred to as "eat the frog."
The idea here is that you start with your most important task, that way you
know you at least finished that. Some people choose their most hated task as
well. The same idea applies, though; it's all about getting it over with ASAP.
9. ...or Don't
Contrary
to the last tip, sometimes you are so unmotivated that you don't have the
energy to tackle anything important. If that feels like you, then start with
the absolute easiest, no-brainer task you can. Sometimes doing that is enough
to build your momentum so you can tackle the high-priority stuff.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
a) Make A List of This Weeks Tasks - Think about your current week. What would you like to
accomplish? List everything you can think of. Try to keep it reasonable, but
don't be afraid to stretch yourself a bit.
b) Arrange the List by Importance - Now break that list down into three categories: Urgent
(do ASAP), Important (do this week), and Leisure (whenever you get around to
it).
c) Set Deadlines For Each Task - Now set a deadline for each task. Be specific; choose
a day and time. Try to make your deadlines a bit earlier than needed, so you
have some buffer room.
FURTHER
Affiliate links:
1. Manage Your Time, Manage Your Life
https://amzn.to/3HvI0Ia
2. Prioritization: How to Prioritize Tasks to Increase Productivity
https://amzn.to/39vVJSI
3. Time's Up: Prioritize Yourself Now
https://amzn.to/3zMto5y
4. Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
https://amzn.to/3tKygEp
5. 18 Minutes: Find Your Focus and Get the Right Things Done
https://amzn.to/3mXU0Zu
No comments:
Post a Comment