So much to do, not enough time. WOW – how many times have you thought that?

The reality is . . . you can have it all, you just can’t have it all at the SAME TIME!

Each of us is gifted with 168 hours each week – and we have control over how we spend those hours. One of the keys to “spending your time wisely” is to make sure you dedicate your time to completing the tasks that have the most impact.

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How can you figure out what those tasks are?  Remember, you aren’t just focused on tasks that have impact – but have the MOST impact!

In The Power of Less, Leo Babauta identifies a few questions you can ask yourself before committing to completing a task. (Remember – tasks, appointments, commitments must EARN the right to be in your calendar!)

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Here’s his list.

Will completing the task…

  • Give you long term recognition?
  • Make you a lot of money in the long run?
  • Be highly beneficial to your company in terms of revenues, branding, expanding in new areas?
  • Change your career / greatly advance your career?
  • Change your personal life?
  • Contribute to society?

Seems simple, right?

However, just because the concept is simple doesn’t mean it is easy to implement!!!!!

How can you keep the idea of “high impact” in mind each day, all day?

Use a notecard.

Step 1:  Get a notecard.

Step 2:  Write YOUR “impact criteria” on the notecard.

Step 3:  Keep your notecard with your to-do list and calendar. (Visual reminders are great to keep you on track.)

Step 4:  Refer to the notecard whenever you add something to your calendar or task list.

Step 5:  Refer to the notecard when planning your week / day (in case something “slipped through”).

Here are my “impact questions.”

  • Will this task have impact past this month?
  • How will this task change my life / business?
  • How will this task further my long term goals of X, Y, Z?

One of my clients (who has a challenge remembering to delegate) uses this question on her card:

  • WHO can do this task other than me? (Thus allowing her to free up HER time for the thinking tasks, while someone else focuses on the DOING tasks.)

Another client (whose trouble spot is chasing shiny objects) uses this question on his card:

  • What CURRENT goal does this task DIRECTLY support? (This allows him to make sure he isn’t focused on “someday” goals – but the goals he has currently decided are most important.)

Another great question for “shiny object chasers” is, “When will resources (time, mental energy, focus, money, people) be best for this task?”

I’m curious – what is your process to make sure you are working on tasks that have the highest impact?

Comment below – let’s discuss!

I’ve developed a great tool to help you make the most of those 168 hours you have. Download your complimentary copy of my Magic 168 Action Guide and focus on the high impact tasks!

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