Sharon. There are many different methods to prioritize your day, just need to find one that works the best for you. I first use a calendar and block everything in it (yes, including lunch). This keeps me on track for my daily appointments. I also put in time for outbound calls, planning, etc. By doing this I now have dedicated time to those items that would get put on the back burner. I block 15 minutes a day to write down my goals, and think about them. This has really helped. The night before every work day, I write out my to do list (maximum 5 items), then block the time in my day to complete them. It sounds like I block time for everything, but if you don't the next thing you know the day is over and you haven't accomplished what you really wanted because you are always playing defense instead of offense.

There is a priority method that is "ABCDEF". Make your to do list, then rank them by "A, B, C, D, E, or F" Items that get an "A" are must do that day no matter what. Items marked "B" must be done that day, but may wait one more day. Items marked an "F" don't do and save for a very raining non producing day. I hope you get the idea on this one. This does not take long to do and you will be amazed how those "F" items no longer appear on your to do list and you only have "A and B" items.

I do workshops on time management which include a few different ways to prioritize tasks. It follows "Eat that Frog" by Brian Tracy.

I hope this helps. Just find one of the many different priority methods for you to use.

Steve Feld

Certified Business Coach