Do you have so many things to do and time never seems to be enough? Then learn to organize your schedule by setting priorities.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the goal
It is easier to prioritize when focusing on a single area at a time. Make a choice between the study, housekeeping, organization of the archive, rearrangement of the pantry, etc.
Step 2. List the tasks randomly
Try to limit the list to a dozen tasks to be done.
Step 3. Assign a level of importance to each job
Evaluate the value of completing each assignment. Mark each task with one H., for high, one M., for medium (medium), or a L, for low.
Step 4. Determine the urgency of each task
Determine an expiration date. Following a criterion of urgency, highlight each task as done previously.
Step 5. Add the effort required for each task
Evaluate the time required for each of the listed tasks. Highlight activities following these criteria S. for short (short), M. for medium (medium) or L for long. A task that requires a high level of concentration should be rated as medium effort.
Step 6. Compare all the commitments
Highlight those which, despite being among the most important and urgent, require a minimum of effort.
Step 7. Your list should look like this:
| Task | Importance | Urgency | Effort | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire alarm battery check | Tall | Medium | Short | |
| Review Rocky Horror Picture Show | Bass | Tall | Medium | |
| Paying bills | Tall | Tall | Short | |
| Clean under the refrigerator | Medium | Bass | Short | |
| Hairdresser | Medium | Tall | Medium | |
| Redecorate bedroom | Medium | Medium | Long |
Step 1. Make a decision
- It groups those tasks that are of high importance and urgency and require a minimum of effort.
- Decide which ones need to be completed first, based on deadlines.
- Tasks with reduced importance and urgency can be postponed over time.
Step 2. Copy your list to look like this:
| Task | Importance | Urgency | Effort | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paying bills | Tall | Tall | Short | 1 |
| Fire alarm battery check | Tall | Medium | Short | 2 |
| Hairdresser | Medium | Tall | Medium | 3 |
| Clean under the refrigerator | Medium | Bass | Short | 4 |
| Redecorate bedroom | Medium | Medium | Long | 5 |
| Review Rocky Horror Picture Show | Bass | Tall | Medium | 6 |
Step 1. Rearrange the list
Re-evaluate the time available for each assignment by comparing it as the due dates approach.
Step 2. Alternate between the listed tasks, such as studying the history lesson in the scheduled time to clean the kitchen
It will help you temporarily clear your mind of longer, boring tasks.
Step 3. Once completed, remove the tasks from your list
You will derive a remarkable sense of fulfillment from it. Reward yourself for further inciting your motivation.
Advice
- Help others and share what you know. If you've completed an assignment early, offer your support to family or friends. You might get a reward.
-
Balance is the key.
- Focus on each commitment for about 30-60 minutes before taking a well-deserved little break.
- Allow extra time for any unforeseen events.
- If two tasks are of equal importance or urgency, consider the amount of effort required.
- In a school project, prioritize upcoming commitments and activities that guarantee you a note of merit.
- Divide a long and demanding activity into multiple small tasks, you will be less intimidated by them and you will complete them more easily.
- Activities that require a high effort may require advance and adequate time planning.
- Those low-key tasks that require a lot of effort can be postponed or canceled.
- Be realistic in determining what can be done in a given period of time.
- Schedule time for rest, relaxation and energy recovery.
- Ask for help. When necessary, delegate some of your tasks to family or friends.
- Use Wordpad or Excel to create your priority lists, so you don't need to copy them.
Warnings
- In any assignment, your safety and the safety of others must have the highest priority.
- Your personal life, your happiness, and your integrity should be at the top of your priority list.
