Many people complain that they just don’t get enough done.
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t have enough time to get it all done?
Here’s a way to redeem the time, starting now, and make every day do double duty.
The key is to plan your week in a way that ensures important tasks are done, while releasing your creativity. Let’s look at 6 steps to do just that.
Use a master task list
One of the problems with planning is that you feel you must decide now when each task will be done, which creates unhealthy pressure. The way around this problem is to create a master list of everything that needs to be done, then use your master list to plan.
When a new task needs to be added to a list, add it to this list.
Having a master list (only one list) provides peace of mind since you don’t have to worry about forgetting those important things that need YOUR attention.
Set aside a block of time to plan
No interruptions during this time. It may take up to 5 hours for your first serious planning session. When you plan, try limiting your work hours.
Don’t say “as many hours as it takes” (YOU deserve a life too!) but rather “Monday thru Friday from 7 to 5” or whatever works best for you.
I do my planning every Saturday morning using the Ziglar goals program, which works well for me. Find what works well for you and stick with that.
If you need a starting point, I highly recommend the Ziglar program.
Be realistic, yet flexible, and you will feel a greater sense of freedom and less like an employee of your day planner.
Prioritize using an A,B,C system
Too basic? Try doing it this way.
A task is not an “A” task unless it costs you money, or will ruin your reputation if you fail to do it.
“B” tasks are important, but the world won’t end if you don’t do them.
EVERYTHING else is a “C” task.
Using this method will cause you to list fewer “A” tasks but likely get more of them done.
Make an APPOINTMENT with yourself to do the top five “A” tasks
Treat it like any other appointment. Don’t let it slide.
If you want to never again end a busy week only to realize that the most important things were left undone, put your “A” tasks on your calendar.
Plan using a weekly calendar
People often think in week long units naturally. Monthly planning is too long range and daily planning can dissolve into simply managing the next crisis.
Remember, YOU are in control.
Start by placing “A” tasks down as if they were appointments, because now they are. “B” tasks can be handled when you have open time, while “C” tasks may simply have to wait.
Be immovable
This is the key. You have planned your week, and unless it’s VERY serious, don’t change your plan.
I recently heard the story of a top insurance agent on the West Coast. The president of her company wanted to see her on a particular Tuesday, but didn’t call until Monday. Firmly and politely she told him that she couldn’t see him until Friday.
When they saw each other on Friday, he inquired where she had been all week. “Right here in L.A.” she replied.
More than a little steamed, he told her that he had to take two out-of-the-way flights to re-arrange to see her on Friday.
Her reply was straight to the point. “I spent 4 hours planning my week before you called me.”
She showed him what she had done on Tuesday. It was impressive to say the least.
Then she made this simple statement. “Bill, the reason I’m your #1 agent is that I don’t allow anyone or anything to disrupt the schedule I work so hard to set.”
With this he couldn’t argue.
When you learn to do things in their order of importance, the feeling of “There’s something I’m supposed to do, but what is it?” will leave you entirely. This frees your mind and gives you the power to achieve YOUR goals. Not your bosses goals or your Daddy’s goals or what you “should” be doing … your goals.
Keep yourself on track by asking “What is the best use of my time for the next 30 minutes?”
Plan your work and you WILL succeed.
