Prioritize Like a Pro
Posted December 9th, 2008 by admin
in
One of the main differences between a novice and an expert is prioritization. What many term ‘organization’ doesn’t come down to being orderly and detailed with your work. The more important factor is how well you prioritize. Have you ever admired the bro from your office who not only is on top of his A game at work, but also finds the time to go out with his buddies, date gorgeous women, and play in a sports league?
Many former bros get caught up in the hustle and flow of the corporate world, letting hobbies and relationships fall to the wayside. The trick is prioritization. Is it vital that you put in 22 hour-days on a time consuming task that is non-critical? Or would you be better served to invest the majority of your time preparing for an upcoming report that will be read by influential people? These are the choices you need to make. There will always be too many things to get done in one day. Here’s how you can prioritize like a pro and become an efficient, effective time manager.
1. Prioritize your To Do list - classify each task into one category: essential and due soon, essential and not due soon, non-essential and due soon, non-essential and not due soon. Then, complete them in that order. In other words, the big project due in a few weeks is more pressing than a non-critical errand that is due tomorrow. Take care of the big guys first, then work your way down to the smaller issues.
2. Figure out what is most valuable – Pick one thing that makes you happy and commit to taking part in it at least once every two weeks. It could be spending time with your significant other, surfing, going to sports events, etc. Block time out of your schedule and stick to it. You’ll be much happier and will notice an increased productivity.
3. Set short-term and long-term goals - Often, people get carried away with intense new jobs in the business world. It’s altogether too easy to become a work drone: occasionally forgetting to sleep, often missing vital meals, rarely seeing natural light. By setting short-term and long-term goals for yourself, you can improve your production efficiency. Setting goals helps people see their work in a greater context – instead of getting so focused on the minutia you forget the big picture, you will be able to see your responsibilities in a different light and really focus on what is important to you.
Other Brofessional Articles
You’ve heard the saying, but does it apply to real life? Not in every situation.
As you come out of college or university (or return from your backpacking trip in Europe for that matter) you're going to wonder what the hottest jobs are right now.
Though the American economy is sliding, the market has never been better for recent college graduates.
Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University
Are you an artist, a creator, a techie with an inexplicable craving to design? Hardcore gamer? Graphic novelist? If you said yes to any of the above questions, you might be a good candidate for the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University.
Regardless of what the newest fashion trend or corporate policy may be, there’s one cardinal rule every professional must conform to: dress your age!
Net worth refers to the value of total assets minus total liabilities of an individual or a company.
If the thought of going to an interview makes your heart race and palms sweat, these tips will help you gain confidence and remain calm and focused in your interview.
In today’s dynamic corporate culture of new technology and innovation, one old-school skill is still in demand: golfing.
One of the hottest spots for innovative leaders seeking to start a career is Goldman Sachs.
Spot on
You really cannot say it much better than this. If you can get this down, both life and work will be that much easier, efficient and enjoyable. It can be a bit rough starting out but like all things give it time and soon it will almost seem like second nature.