| by Charlie Page © 2004 Many people complain that they just
don't get enough done. Do you sometimes feel like you don't have
enough time to get it all done? Here's a way to redeem the time,
starting now, and make every day do double duty.
The key is to plan your week in a way that ensures important tasks
are done, while releasing your creativity. Let's look at 6 steps
to do just that.
1. Use a master task list. One of the problems with planning is
that you feel you must decide *now* when each task will be done,
which creates unhealthy pressure. The way around this problem is
to create a master list of everything that needs to be done, then
use your master list to plan.
When a new task needs to be added to a list, add it to this list.
Having a master list (only *one* list) provides peace of mind since
you don't have to worry about forgetting those important things
that need YOUR attention.
2. Set aside a block of time to plan. No interruptions during this
time. It may take up to 5 hours for your first serious planning
session. When you plan, try limiting your work hours. Don't say
"as many hours as it takes" (YOU deserve a life too!)
but rather "Monday thru Friday from 7 to 5" or whatever
works best for you.
Be realistic, yet flexible, and you will feel a greater sense of
freedom and less like an employee of your day planner.
3. Prioritize using an A,B,C system. Too basic? Try doing it this
way. A task is not an "A" task unless it costs you money,
or will ruin your reputation if you fail to do it. "B"
tasks are important, but the world won't end if you don't do them.
EVERYTHING else is a "C" task.
Using this method will cause you to list fewer "A" tasks
but likely get more of them done.
4. Make an APPOINTMENT with yourself to do the top five "A"
tasks. Treat it like any other appointment. Don't let it slide.
If you want to never again end a busy week only to realize that
the most important things were left undone, put your "A"
tasks on your calendar.
5. Plan using a weekly calendar. People often think in week long
units naturally. Monthly planning is too long range and daily planning
can dissolve into simply managing the next crisis. Remember, YOU
are in control.
Start by placing "A" tasks down as if they were appointments,
because now they are. "B" tasks can be handled when you
have open time while "C" tasks may simply have to wait.
6. Be immovable. This is the key. You have planned your week, and
unless it's VERY serious, don't change your plan.
I recently heard the story of a top insurance agent on the West
Coast. The president of her company wanted to see her on a particular
Tuesday, but didn't call until Monday. Firmly and politely she told
him that she couldn't see him until Friday. When they saw each other
on Friday, he inquired where she had been all week. "Right
here in L.A." she replied.
More than a little steamed, he told her that he had to take two
out-of-the-way flights to re-arrange to see her on Friday. Her reply
was straight to the point. "I spent 4 hours planning my week
before you called me." She showed him what she had done on
Tuesday. It was impressive to say the least. Then she made this
simple statement. "Bill, the reason I'm your #1 agent is that
I don't allow anyone or anything to disrupt the schedule I work
so hard to set." With this he couldn't argue.
When you learn to do things in their order of importance, the feeling
of "There's something I'm supposed to do, but what is it?"
will leave you entirely. This frees your mind. Keep yourself on
track by asking "What is the best use of my time for the next
30 minutes?" Plan your work and you WILL succeed.
-----------------------------------
Charlie Page is a copywriter who owns the Directory of Ezines and
the Directory of Marketing. If you want to sell more online, visit
Charlie today at www.directoryofmarketing.com
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