10 Minutes to a More Productive Day

Posted by Ian McKenzie

Written on June 10, 2009

: Image by ebby via Flickr

How can you make your day more productive in just ten minutes? Work on your to-do list.

A to-do list is the most fundamental tool for time management. It consolidates all your tasks in one place, where you can prioritize and complete them in the best order.

How do you prepare an effective to-do list?

Schedule the time – Put 10 minutes on your calendar everyday to work on your to-do list. First thing in the morning or last thing in the day are the ideal times.

Set priorities – A to-do list allows you to prioritize and focus on the most important items rather than giving in to the temptation of working on less important items. Use a simple 1-2-3 or a-b-c method to rate your tasks. Tasks marked ‘1′ or ‘a’ are critical to reaching your goals. ‘2′ or ‘b’ tasks are important and should be completed once the a’s are finished. The ‘3′ or ‘c’ tasks shoulb be completed at some time, but can be rescheduled or delegated.

Break it down - If some of your tasks are overly large, break them down into manageable steps. If the steps still seem large, break them down again. One you have a workable list, review the priorities, adjust if necessary and get to work.

Track and update your progress – If unscheduled tasks or events come up, add them to your list and re-prioritize. This will ensure you don’t lose track of what is important. A to-do list lets you to mark off the tasks you have completed. At the end of the day, when you look at the list, it will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Reward yourself - Promise yourself a reward for completing each task, or finishing the total job. Make the size of the reward commensurate with the complexity of the task. It may be as simple as a mental pat on the back or as complex as going out for lunch. Keep your promise to yourself and indulge in your reward

Two-minute organising project – decluttering your make-up bag (organisingtips.blogspot.com)
ForceDo: Simple, Elegant Task Management (appscout.com)
3 Easy Steps for Time Management through Daily Planning (stacksandstacks.com)
ToBeeDo.com – A New To-do List & Task Manager (killerstartups.com)
3 Quick Tips To Managing Your Time (5min.com)

Tips for holding productive meetings

Back-to-School Homework Policies

Bits and Pieces – June 8

Productivity

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