It often feels like there aren’t enough hours in a day or in life generally. Tasks flying from everywhere, responsibilities and life just throwing jabs at you from different directions.
Sometimes we get it right, or we do everything that should make it go well, but then things just blow out of proportion- you’re working late, not able to see family and friends, no time to yourself. Is it even possible to get things going according to your plan? Maybe not ALL THE TIME, but you could, for the most part have things under control.
One of my favourite ‘quotes’ or sayings about schedules and priorities:
When you schedule the priorities, the schedules seems to flow very well, unlike if whatever makes it onto the list is a ‘priority’.Below are a few tried and tested ideas on effective scheduling and/or prioritising that I recommend:
KNOW WHAT MATTERS TO YOUR SUPERVISOR/MANAGER
Yes Corporate Millennials. This is key and will save you loads of ‘stress’ and feeling overwhelmed. Knowing what is priority on your supervisors to- do-list will help you work smarter.
Often you feel like your day has been derailed and you haven’t done much simply because your supervisor came and “tore your to-do-list into pieces”- not literally.
I mean think about it, at the end of the day, if you have done everything on your list, but nothing on their list- you kinda haven’t done anything. What time are you going home?lol.
My favourite line when I am assigned a new task, in addition to those I know I have to get through in the day:
“When would you like this done? I am currently working on ‘x’, you had asked that I submit it today”. By doing this, you allow them to decide which one should move to the top of the list. You are also able to see if you can schedule it for later or need to re-work you schedule to accommodate the additional task.
(Hope this makes sense :)- we can talk about it again some other time)
CLASSIFY TASKS
Urgent; Important; Due; Overdue; Regular task…. You can have a 5 classifications to ensure you get what needs to get off your list first. This brings a satisfaction I cannot explain. Also, by doing the important and urgent tasks out the way, you have ample time to do all your other key tasks without the pressure of a looming deadline.
Classifying tasks also helps you meet deadlines!
QUICK WINS
You know those mundane little tasks that keep the office sane! (I don’t mean this in a bad way). They seem unimportant or like they are nothing, but if they aren’t done, everything falls apart.
After completing a big task- I always refresh with something that doesn’t require too much brain capacity lol! By doing this, you quickly get those done and tick like 4 things out of the to-do-list. Then you can go for a coffee break or whatever you fancy.
Quick wins boost your confidence and get more things out of your way to enable you to do the bigger tasks.
REGULARLY REVIEW YOUR TO-DO-LIST
It can change. it doesn’t mean you have failed. Priorities can change within minutes. By regularly reviewing your to-do-list you are able to not merely get through getting things done, but rather to meet the needs of the day and those that you work with.
Producing work that is relevant and timely is key. Look at it, and ensure it still meets the requirements of your day post meetings and phone calls. Sometimes you are wrecking your brain over something that’s due the next week while something else is due the next day. Do best! Realign your to-do-list.
BE REALISTIC
DO NOT OVERCOMMIT.
Sometimes we allow other peoples ‘urgency’ to ruin our flow. You know when someone has been sitting on something for two weeks and they expect you to do magic and finish it in 5 minutes (I exaggerate but it happens). Be honest. Let them know you will do your best to assist them with the urgency (although self created), however, looking at what the task requires, you may need to reshuffle a few things to be able to get it done.
Let them know what else is currently on your desk that needs to be completed and who is supposed to get it. Ask them if they can assist you with ensuring that your other stakeholders are not heavily inconvenienced as you have been reassigned an urgent task – especially if its your supervisor. Remember when you do not meet your other stakeholders requests, your manager/supervisor won’t necessarily know which task they took you out of when they shredded your plan (lol).
SCHEDULE LIFE
I don’t know how best to explain this one. We get caught up in the daily routine and often have no time left to do the things we enjoy and spend time with our loved ones.
You know how at work you have those recurring weekly meetings. Regardless of there being no update the meeting still happens. Schedule life- catch up with a friend, a movie, self care appointments, family time. These are important and should be planned for. Don’t get caught up and miss out on enjoying what matters most to you.
With that said, I hope this new week will be filled with mini victories as you schedule the day and the week.Schedule your priorities!
THE CORPORATE MILLENNIAL 
Wow…this is very helpful… I’m now going to do my tasks accordingly following the tips you’ve just given. All Thanx to corporate millennial.Bw. let’s get this done !
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