If you find your task list getting too full, it’s easy to put off doing important tasks. Here are 4 quick ways to make sure you get things done.
1. Take Action. Here the best approach might be to break it into sections, perhaps only 10 minutes at first. You can go back to it later, but it’s often getting started that’s the hardest part. Perhaps it’s overwhelming, and it needs to be broken into manageable parts.
- Number the tasks
- Do the task as fast as possible
- Get a co-worker to do the project with you
- Play music
- Reward yourself after completion
And, if you just can’t bear to start the project, ask yourself why not and really listen to your answer.
2. Delegate, and if you don’t have the option right now, try bartering with someone else to help if he or she has more time than you. In delegating it’s been said we need to inspect what we expect from the individual we’re delegating to (make sure we’re giving the right person the job), document, set up a time to get together to discuss the progress, let the person do it their way. General George Patton said don’t tell people what to do, tell them what needs to be done and then stand back and watch their ingenuity. Finally, anticipate what could go wrong and be prepared.
3. Let it go. There are times we start a project and then realize it wasn’t the best choice in the world, but we’re already committed. Don’t throw good time after bad, have the courage to drop it when you see it isn’t the most productive or effective way to go.
4. Put it off. We all know we’re wired differently. A morning person might prefer to do detail work at 7:30 am because that’s when she’s most alert and therefore most effective. Other people can’t function well until 11:00 am or three cups of coffee, whichever comes first. If you see you’re wasting a lot of time doing a project in the afternoon, when you’ll be quicker and sharper in the morning, delay it. Ultimately you’ll save both time and the possibility of making mistakes.
Better managing time and priorities always makes you more effective and more valuable in your career.
Best regards,
~ Jennifer
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