When there’s a million things to do, how do you know what to do first? We live in a world where we think everything has too be done now! But that’s not realistic!
What is, is prioritizing so that we are in control of what needs to get done. This is what I found to help me prioritize important tasks.
5 Tips On How To Prioritize Important Tasks
Write down a list of what you have to do
When writing your list don’t worry about the order of importance. Just focus on what you need to get done that day or week. Don’t put anything on there that needs to be done too far in the future.
Why do this: Having a realistic view of what actually needs to be done will help you to not be overwhelmed. You are releasing it from your mind onto the paper. You are now in control of your tasks.
Organize your list
After I write my list I to weed out what is urgent and what is not. There are different levels of urgency as well. When prioritizing your tasks think about what you need to do for that day only. Then you can start prioritizing for the next day, week, and so forth.
Here are 3 ways to organize your list effectively:
- By importance
- By time
- By efficiency
Personally I alternate between the three depending on the day. When it comes to house chores I tend do the third one because it allows me to multitask.
Why do this: It allows you to see what is really important or what really needs to be done versus what you “think” needs to get done. Also it helps you to see what can be put off later in the week so that you don’t overload yourself in one day.
Use A Calendar Or Planner
This is one of the tips that keeps me the most organized. You can use a wall, desk, or digital calendar. If you have something that’s not time sensitive on your list, that you need to get done, having a calendar in front of you will help you schedule it for another day.
A planner or agenda is another option. You can get a digital version as well. A lot of people prefer them since they are more compact and customizable. Both will work to help you prioritize important tasks.
Why do this: When we have a lot to do we get so confined with thinking that it all has to get done that day. When you have a calendar or planner in front of you it’s something tangible that allows you to realize you have more time than you think, to prioritize your tasks.
Be Flexible or Adaptable
I’m sure we all can agree that life is unpredictable. Things happen!
Things like getting a serious phone call to your doctor appointment is taking longer than expected. I know it’s easier said than done but go with the flow. Expect and allow time for moments like these to happen.
Why do this: We can’t plan for everything but when taking on tasks, leave some room for “life to happen”. You will actually get more done than you expected because you are being realistic. You allowed that space for error so it wont come as a complete shock.
Know When To Adjust
As you go about your day, checking things off your list, you realize you didn’t get everything done. Especially for us perfectionists (yes I said “us”, I am one of them too) the guilt sets in!
Although it may be true, we convince ourselves that everything on our list was very important and needed to be done that day.
I have a tendency to try and overachieve when it comes to getting things done. It’s a very unhealthy trait to have. When we plan to the best of our ability we will get important tasks done.
And if not, then tell yourself it’s going to be okay. My blog “3 Basic Seps To Organize Your Day” helps more with this!
Why do this: By not putting unrealistic expectations on yourself it will help you to not stress out when everything can’t be done. No matter who you are there is no one who can accomplish everything in one day.
When everything seems important it’s hard to know how to balance it all. I hope that this has helped!
If this has helped you or you can relate let me know in the comments!
Although I do share from my personal experience or I've researched it, this blog has been prepared for informational purposes only. Visitors who rely on any information do so at their own risk. For more information please visit my disclaimers page.