Getting More Important Things Done

Getting More Important Things Done

You should start your day by tackling the biggest, hardest and most important task of the day. In short: Do the worst first and resist the temptation to start with the easier tasks. This is the central message of Brian Tracy's bestselling book, "Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time."

To help you separate the big and important tasks from low-priority tasks, try creating imaginary deadlines. Work through your day as if you've just received an emergency message and been informed you must leave town tomorrow. Then ask yourself: What are my priorities? Write them down and grade them, with "A" being items of greatest importance.

Examine ways you can save, schedule and consolidate large chunks of time for the most important tasks. Work in blocks of time. Make work appointments with yourself then discipline yourself to keep those appointments. If you have tasks you can schedule, then set aside preplanned time slots where you focus only on one task at a time.

One of the most powerful tools for time management is the word "no." Learn to say no politely but clearly. Intentionally avoid working on low-value tasks, activities or responsibilities that you can abandon with no real loss. Keep in mind that to do something new you must stop or complete doing something old.

Develop a sense of urgency to everything you do. Impose deadlines for every task. There is never enough time to get everything done. But you are free to choose what you do next. And your ability to choose between the important and the unimportant is the key determinant of your success in life and work.

All "Betts" on Brian! The Only Relator you want!