Getting Things Done

When you have a number of things to do, how do you decide the order to do them in? How do you choose what to do first? If there are many tasks how do you decide which tasks to do today?

Some people choose the task they consider the most important, give this priority and work down the list to the least important. However, people will have different ideas concerning which task is the most important. There is no right or wrong answer.

Some people choose an easy task first to give themselves a boost. They will probably be able to finish the easy task quickly. The feeling of achievement at completing the task makes them feel more confident about tackling harder tasks. They are likely to feel pleased with the result which also boosts confidence.

Other people choose a quick task so they can tick it off their list and feel they are getting somewhere. This helps them build up momentum to get on and do more tasks. They may even decide to do several quick tasks before starting on a task which will take longer to complete. Sometimes quick tasks are also easy tasks but not necessarily so.

A different approach is to choose the task you least want to do and get it over and done with. Instead of continually putting off that dreaded task, you just get stuck into it. What a great feeling when you have made that awkward phone call or done whatever you really didn’t want to do. Once you have done what you dreaded you are likely to feel you can do anything.

Some people group their tasks. Perhaps you need to return books to the library as they are due today. You also need to buy a few groceries but that could wait until tomorrow. However, the library is near the supermarket so you decide to get those groceries after returning the books to the library. It will save you making a separate trip tomorrow or the day after.

Most people are aware of personal high and low energy times during the day. Some people wake full of energy and find it best to do tasks needing energy early in the day. You may find you are more creative at night and this is the best time to do tasks requiring creativity. It could be certain tasks are best done when children are not at home or they are asleep.

There are many factors affecting the best ways to get things done. Each person needs to find what works best for them and just do it.


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