“I’m so busy!”
I’ve said it thousands of times—and usually with a certain sense of importance. I’ve got things to do, and I take great satisfaction in checking off items on my to-do list, one by one. But at the end of the day, I often look back, exhausted, and wonder: Was I effective? In many cases, the answer is no.
Here are a couple of key concepts to keep in mind:
1. Not everything is equally important.
Some tasks are strategic, and some are simply urgent. We need to focus our energy on what truly matters.
2. Our time, energy, and attention are limited.
We must allocate these resources to the actions that contribute most directly to our success.
Here’s how I’ve learned to manage my time and activities to be more effective, not just busy:
Step 1: Sort your to-do list.
When I review my “inbox” of tasks, I sort them into four categories:
- DO it – Tasks that are important and need to be done within the next 24 hours.
- DEFER it – Items that are important but not urgent; schedule them for later.
- DELEGATE it – If someone else can handle the task effectively, delegate it and follow up.
- DELETE it – My favorite. If a task isn’t important enough to deserve your time, drop it.
Step 2: Prioritize your “Key 3.”
I identify the top three tasks that will make the biggest impact that day. If I complete those, I consider the day productive.
Step 3: Limit distractions.
No emails, no busywork, no scrolling—nothing—until the important tasks are done. I allow myself short, intentional breaks to rest and recharge, but otherwise, I stay focused.
Try this approach for 30 days and see how much more productive you become. My bet? You’ll be surprised by the difference.
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