Setting task priorities is a key step in getting things done.
If your tasks have been arranged in priority order from the most important to the least important, this helps you set clear boundaries.
Why do I say that?
Well, task priorities send a message. When you are sure about them yourself, others realize that if you set a boundary, you are doing so because the task is an important one.
This underscores the fact that you don’t set boundaries for no reason. When you set them, they truly matter.
Setting task priorities:
Here are the first three steps to get you started with using task priorities in your life.
- First, it is critical that you list all the tasks that you need to accomplish.
- Second, separate them into ones that are a one-time event, and those that are ongoing.
- Third, decide which ones in each category are truly time-limited and must be accomplished by a certain date and/or time.
Next, look at ongoing tasks:
In order to now place these tasks in order of priority, I suggest that you first look at your list of ongoing tasks and determine which are the most important. For example, an ongoing task might be a budget report that you need to turn into your boss by the third Tuesday of each month. It suggests high priority because it deals with money.
If this is a task that can be accomplished by regular tracking of daily financial records, it may not take very long to compile your report. So, while it’s important and ongoing, it might not be your highest monthly priority.
If, on the other hand, you compile this report by integrating financial information from others, this becomes more complicated.
Why is that?
Whenever you are dependent on other people to complete a task, its level of difficulty increases. This is because you may have to take other steps. And you’ll need more time to integrate the information from others.
So, in this example, the additional steps and time required would probably make that budget report a high priority.
The more the work involved is dependent upon others, the more it becomes a priority.
One-time events and task priorities:
So, how do you prioritize a short-term or a one-time event?
Well, the task that holds the most consequences for yourself or others will usually be the highest priority.
For example, if your daughter has a science project due in a week and you’ve promised to get some of the supplies she needs, this becomes a high priority.
Why?
Because if you don’t complete your piece, she won’t be able to complete her experiment.
Next, combine your lists.
Finish setting task priorities for everything you need to do. Then integrate one-time events with ongoing responsibilities and create a calendar.
This makes your priorities concrete and gives each a place in your schedule. Be as specific as you can, and tick off completed items to validate your efforts.
So, how will you start setting task priorities today? Starting small helps you take the first step.
And for more help with prioritizing:
Do you ever feel like life is coming at you too fast and you’re getting lost in the shuffle? Are you feeling at sea and rudderless? Unclear about what your priorities even are? Well, a time tool that I want to tell you about today is my E-Guide titled “Why Can’t I Find My Direction?” 17 Journaling Prompts to Create Your Ideal Life.
This E-Guide gets right down to business as it walks you through 17 journaling prompts aimed at helping you come to a deeper understanding of
- Who you are,
- What you value,
- What makes you tick and
- How you relate to your time choices.
Understanding any ONE of these things more fully is a great gift to give yourself. So I invite you to follow your heart as you clarify your priorities and find your direction with “Why Can’t I Find My Direction?” 17 Journaling Prompts to Create Your Ideal Life. Click the link below to discover more about what’s possible for you:
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