Get More Done in Six Simple Steps

Whether you are the owner of a giant corporation or a stay-at-home mom; you're busy. There never seems to be enough time in the day, and at night you worry about the things you didn't accomplish. How can you utilize the time that you have to get more done?

1. Learn to love lists. First thing in the morning, create a detailed "to do" list. Jot down everything that comes to mind and then number them in order of importance. Deadlines that have to be met, appointments that need to be kept and items such as these get the top spots. Rather than leaving the less desirable tasks for last - get them done early so they're out of the way. Cross off the tasks on the list as you complete them, and refer back to your list frequently throughout the day.

2. Don't deviate. The list is there for a reason - so stick to it. If you need to go online to pay a bill, resist the urge to check your email. Save personal things for later; in fact schedule a limited block of time in your day that you can do whatever you want. When a friend calls to chat, ask if you can call back at your designated "personal time".  If you're interrupted during a task you've deemed unimportant, remember that it still needs to get done. Don't let yourself brush it off; it will only end up on tomorrow's list.

3. Perfect the art of prioritization. Some people mistakenly give priority to things that they "feel like" doing. Working on creative projects, updating blogs - your "fun" things to do usually get done first. What's the harm? As the day comes to a close and the night approaches, you're tired. But you still have things that need to get done today. You are in no mood to finish the annual sales report for tomorrow's meeting. You've pushed back researching how to advertise your new business or making an important sales call. Now the stress starts to set in. The solution? Prioritize the important things that must get accomplished that day. This may mean starting your list with the most challenging, the lengthiest, or the most involved tasks. You will have much more energy early in the day for these activities, and will feel less anxious once they are crossed off your list. Learn what priority really means to you.

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Get More Done in Six Simple Steps.