If you are facing a deadline or are just trying not to waste too much time completing something, a little more attention and willpower will help you get your tasks done faster.
Steps
Step 1. Spend some time planning
While planning may not be your top priority, even a minute or two of planning your journey can help you reach your goals faster.
Step 2. Make a to-do list
Determine what you will need to do. For some types of assignments, you may want to keep the list in mind.
- Don't panic and don't lose your mind, even if the list seems long or too busy at the moment.
- Divide larger tasks into more manageable sections.
Step 3. Do what you can to shorten the list
Is there anything you can delegate? Can you ask for help? Is there anything you can do later without problems, perhaps after a deadline? Is there anything you can completely ignore? Can you take shortcuts or use methods to speed up the process? Can you ask for more time?
Eliminate low-value or time-wasting activities, or leave them at the bottom of the list
Step 4. Recognize your priorities, and write them down
This operation can be formative or informal, but generally there will be some tasks that are more important than others, and you should focus on those first.
One method of prioritizing is to consider the impact of each task or sub-task and the consequences that would result from a delay in completion
Step 5. Make a note of any deadlines you need to meet
If you have intermediate goals to meet, assign intermediate deadlines, even if only approximate.
Step 6. Make a note of your motives
Try to prefer positive motivations (getting a good grade, solving a problem) over negative ones (not losing a customer, getting in trouble). Your motivations will be the impetus to accelerate and strive with determination to achieve your goals.
Step 7. Dive in and get started
If it is difficult to get started, do small things that allow you to take steps in the right direction. Generally, any way to start is better than doing nothing, even if it's not ideal.
Step 8. Work as quickly and efficiently as you can safely sustain
Don't accelerate too much to avoid making mistakes that would waste your time.
Step 9. Take breaks
When you can afford it, take short breaks to rest. For a multi-day project, this means getting enough sleep so you can be alert and focus. For a one-day project, it can take a few minutes every hour to eat, drink enough water, use the bathroom, stretch (if you have to stay still to work), or catch your breath (if you're physically active).
- Don't take breaks that are so long that you lose your rhythm. Instead of scheduling hard breaks, stop when work allows you.
- You can use the breaks as moments of intermediate planning or discussion if you work in a group. It is a good idea to reflect on your action plan and modify it.
Step 10. Be disciplined
Focus, be persistent and solid. You will complete your tasks as efficiently as possible.
If you find yourself losing focus, try to quickly figure out why. Not clear about your goals? Do you need information from others? Are you getting stuck on something? Is your project inconsistent with your projects or goals?
Step 11. Celebrate your achievements and rest as soon as you're done
Step 12. After finishing the job, proceed to complete the required formalities
Let others know that you are done and give them the information they need to continue.
Step 13. Take steps to avoid finding yourself in the same situation
Always stay one step ahead of your job.
Advice
- Don't be overwhelmed. If you feel overwhelmed, take a little pause (enough to take a deep breath), center your thoughts and energy, and focus on a small part of the work.
- Try not to sacrifice quality, but don't fixate on perfectionism either. In many cases, a discreet product released on time is better than a great product released after expiration.
- Think twice before giving up. Often, overcoming an obstacle will give you the impetus to continue.
- Avoid rushing if possible. Try to allocate enough time to complete tasks when planning. If you're short on time, it's not the end of the world. Do what you can in the time you have left, prioritizing the most important things.
- Try to stick to your plan, but don't be inflexible, and be prepared to change it if conditions, priorities, or demands vary.
- If you are setting yourself goals, do it wisely. It's okay to challenge yourself, but choose goals that you can reasonably accomplish with the skills and resources at your disposal.
- Make sure you have enough time to do everything. Plan the things you need to do accordingly.
- Most tasks become faster and easier with practice, especially low-level ones. If your jobs are computer-centric, for example, try learning to type faster and use commands smoothly so you can focus your energy on higher-level tasks.
- If you save time by working fast, you can use this time to address lower-level priorities, to move forward with other jobs, or to help people who have helped you.
- A little planning, no matter how informal, will often save the time you've spent. It doesn't have to be exhaustive planning, it just has to serve as a guide.
