TL;DR
A reader asked Kathi how to choose which tasks to postpone when there is never enough time. Prioritize your list at the start of each day, shift time from lower-value activities to higher-value ones as you go, and keep your schedule flexible enough to seize good opportunities when they appear.
Dear Kathi,
I am determined to use my time more effectively this year. I often have too many tasks to complete with not enough time. I constantly have to make choices and am often at a loss with which tasks to postpone until later. Help!
Bernie, Del Mar
Bernie,
You will do well to prioritize your list of tasks at the beginning of each day. Time is your most precious resource. It cannot be replaced but it can be optimized.
The very act of taking a moment to think about your time before you spend it will begin to improve your personal time management instantly. As you go about your day, reallocate activities of lower value to activities of higher value as you complete the highest priorities on your list. Be diligent and reshuffle your priorities as needed. The best schedule is one that is flexible and able to seize the golden opportunities as they present themselves.
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.
Please submit your questions to: [email protected]. San Diego Professional Organizer
Keep reading
- Organizing “To Do” ListOne planner, numbered priorities and no errands on impulse.
- Want to Become More Productive and Create More Hours in Your Day?Why you should plan your day before you open your inbox.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide which tasks to do first?
+
Prioritize your list of tasks at the beginning of each day. Simply taking a moment to think about your time before you spend it will start improving your time management right away.
What should I do with lower-priority tasks?
+
As you work through the day, move time away from lower-value activities and toward higher-value ones while you complete your top priorities. Be diligent and reshuffle your priorities as needed.
Should my daily schedule be fixed?
+
No. Kathi says the best schedule is a flexible one, able to seize golden opportunities as they present themselves. Time is your most precious resource: it cannot be replaced, but it can be optimized.
