Do you have pages and pages and pages of items on your To-Do list? Or, do you have multiple lists? Or, maybe you have multiple lists WITH multiple items on each list. Goodness – feeling overwhelmed yet?!
You can’t possibly complete every item on your list – nor should you!
Here’s a quick hopefully!) method to help you start to narrow down your focus. NOTE: I said quick method . . . I have a more involved method I recommend using once a month. But for the day-to-day prioritizing – this method is quick, simple, and keeps your momentum moving forward.
Follow these steps during your planning session. (It doesn’t matter if you plan in the evening for the next day, in the morning for that day, on Friday for the week, on Sunday for the week, or any combination – it only matters that you PLAN!)
- Step #1 – Identify your priorities by asking yourself two questions:
- “What is the #1 thing I can do to move myself closer to my goals?” Write down whatever comes into your mind.
- “What tasks are time sensitive?” To answer this question – look at your task list(s) and your calendar. What deadlines are approaching? What appointments do you need to prepare for?
- Step #2 – Strategically fine tune your list by delegating. Of the items you identified in Step 1, which items can you delegate? Ask,
- “Am I the only person who can do this task?” or
- “Am I the best person to do this task?” or
- “Is my time best spent doing this task?”
- If no – then delegate the task.
- Step #3 – Implement your way to success. Now, (hopefully!) you should have narrowed your focus down to 2 – 5 items. Schedule time for each of these priorities into your calendar. This doesn’t mean you can’t do other items on your task list (remember, I have an entire page of tasks that need to be completed while I’m sitting at the computer!) you just fit these items into small slots of time.
By following this simple 3 step process you can ensure that you are spending time on your priorities each day. The overwhelmed, “what do I do next” feeling will be a memory, you will be choosing tasks with confidence as you move forward achieving your goals!
How do you decide which tasks to work on? What does your task list look like? What “how-to” videos would you like to see? I encourage you to share below!
Great tips and to the point! Thanks for sharing!
Vanessa –
Thanks for stopping by!! Glad you liked the post!
Lisa
My question I ask myself is does it fit with my long term and short term goal and is it able to generate immediate revenue.
Linda!
Great question! A sure fire way to make sure you are always working towards your priorities!!! Love it!
Lisa
This is a wonderful plan Lisa. Every night, I write my to-do list for the day because I need that immediate reminder when I wake up the next morning.
I’m also a firm believer in writing things down. I have 2 journals – one for my office and one for my purse. If I have too much going on in my head (which happens quite often), I have to extract it onto paper, so I can visually see what’s going on. When I have a huge project, I buy a poster board, and just go crazy. Once everything is written down, I can think about how long each task is going to take, and the priority of each task.
I think we have a few things in common Lisa, because I too an obsessed with chocolate and country music. ;)
Keri –
Oh my goodness – I feel like we were separated at birth after reading your comment! I need a pencil in my hand to even BEGIN the thinking process . . . and the thoughts don’t “stick” until I can get them down on paper! I appreciate your comment.
Oh – you may want to check out http://systemsavvyconsulting.com/what-i-learned-about-time-management-at-a-country-concert/. You may find a special meaning in the references to my favorite country music stars :)
Lisa
Great post! I have to keep my goals right next to me at all times. I created a desktop background so I can see them often and be reminded. It helps keep me from running around on a wild goose chase getting nothing done!
Chris
Chris –
I love the idea of putting your goals on your desktop! I can’t think of a location I look at more often than my computer screen! I keep mine in my calendar, so when I’m planning I’m reminded to schedule the PRIORITIES . . . however, on a day-to-day basis, having the additional visual reminder is sure to keep my attention laser focused.
Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I am a list maker.
Thanks for sharing this
Terri –
Thanks for your comment – from one list maker to another – keep the momentum!
Lisa
Lisa, we have a few things in common. I love chocolate, the beach and country music, too! :) Love this article! I have a system that I use on a daily basis. Each morning, I review my list from the day before, and if it wasn’t completed, I move it to the new day’s list. I don’t actually right out priorities, but do know them. I love your 3 step plan and will be incorporating them into my daily goals. Thank you!
Hi Robin –
Thanks for stopping by! As a fellow country music fan, you may find my most recent post entertaining . . . http://systemsavvyconsulting.com/what-i-learned-about-time-management-at-a-country-concert/.
I love your process – as I follow a similar one . . . just going through the steps the night before. Keep me updated on the success of incorporating the 3 step plan . . . I excited to hear about your progress!
Lisa
I love your tips, Lisa! What suggestions do you have for solopreneurs who do not really have a team to delegate tasks to?
Delia –
Excellent question! I’ve written a few posts offering suggestions on who to delegate to. I’m hopeful these help . . . if not . . . let me know and I’m happy to offer more! (Lots of ideas up here in my head!) Thanks for stopping by!
http://systemsavvyconsulting.com/how-berry-reduced-stress-by-delegating/
http://systemsavvyconsulting.com/direct-sellers-are-you-majoring-in-the-minors-part-3/
Lisa
You gave me a GREAT idea! I have never broken down my LISTS in multiple catagories other then business & personal – this will make it much easier – especially your list of Things to Do while I’m in front of the computer. So that is why I spend so much time rewriting the list and getting stressed.
I’ll let you know how it works out for me. Thanks!!!
Traci –
Thanks for the comment! My goal is to help you become less stressed . . . and rewriting the to-do list just becomes depressing sometimes! Keep me posted!
Lisa
[…] Once you have everything written down, then delete and delegate the appropriate tasks, and move the remaining tasks to your to-do list or calendar. (For tips on what to delete or delegate visit this previous post.) […]