Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Are You Overwhelmed?????

From time to time everyone gets overwhelmed. Have you figured out why? It turns out to be common scense after you figure out what the real cause is.

Most of us have a task list of "to do's" - written or mental - that we do not prioritize. When we attempt to do everything on the list we get burn out, tired or frustrated.

So the secret is to learn how to prioritize our list. Most of us do not have a system to prioritize. Without a system we randomly try to check off our list.

Here's a solution system to prioritizing your list.

1. List the projects you want to complete.

2. Rank the projects by ROI and RISK or MOST IMPORTANT to LEAST IMPORTANT.

In business - how much $$$ is each one worth? What is the probability of success?

In your personal life - have-to's and can put-off to another day.


"Timebox" your tasks. How much time should it take you to complete any given task? You will know just by looking at the list. For longer more involved tasks, be sure to give yourself enough time to complete them. Don't skimp - this is the reason that you become overwhelmed in the first place. Be honest with yourself. For big projects, try to give yourself a minimum of 2 weeks to a month. This will allow you to be distracted by interruptions that do crop up in our busy lives without feeling added pressure.

If you have a long term goal, try to spend 'x' hours a day or week on reaching that goal. Most goals are not meant to be accomplished in an hour or a day. They are something that we are striving to gain or become. Give yourself enough time. This is very important to remember.

What does your list look like? Some people organize 'sticky notes' on the refrigerator or wall. Reorganizing them as they are completed. This is kind of a liquid task listing.

Your Life - Your Rules!

Namaste Speedo

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