Set priorities and make time for things that matter

Let's start by celebrating all the things we juggle as women. We have a lot on our platter with work, business, family and life in general. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by everything we have to do daily. Also, it is sometimes hard to see what we achieved at the end of the day.

In my post, I will share five simple techniques that help me prioritize and achieve my goals. As a project manager, I am constantly required to prioritize tasks for myself, my clients and my team. Applying some project management principles to my private task prioritization has helped me master my task list.

What are the benefits of setting priorities?

• You find time to work on what is important to you
• You meet important deadlines or dates
• You feel less overwhelmed or stressed

How to make things that matter to you happen

#1: Identify your tasks
Start by making a list of all you do and need to do daily. Write them down on a piece of paper or a digital notepad. For me, I have noticed that every time I start feeling overwhelmed, there is a task that I have not planned that is currently taking over my time and resources. The act of writing or updating my task list helps me remember what I really want to be working on.
Tip: Use tools to track your task list. I use google keep for my task list as I can always update from all my devices.

#2: Prioritize your task lists
My favorite dictionary definition of setting priorities is "to decide which things are most important to do." To achieve your big goals, it is key to identify what tasks are very important and must be worked on before other tasks.
Setting priorities helps you focus and get things done. The questions below can assist you in defining your priorities daily:

• How does this task help me get closer to my goal?
• Which of these tasks need to be done today?
• Will there be a negative impact if I don't do them today?

Tip: Set priorities and assign time to the top items on the list.

#3: Schedule your prioritized tasks
This quote by Stephen Covey summarizes a key principle "the key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."
Scheduling your tasks increases the success rate of closing them. While you plan your tasks consider the following:

• Your tasks need a due date by which they need to be completed.
• Set time aside to take care of your tasks. Knowing you have a time set aside to take care of your top priority tasks will make you calm. It could be as simple as adding tasks to your calendar.

Tip: Remember to schedule fun tasks. You should have fun as well!

#4: Have a family meeting or talk to your friends
This one might be shocking, to be successful you need the people around you to be on the same page as you. People that care about you will support you and help you complete your tasks. Especially if you have to work on tasks with your spouse, friends or partners, it is essential to ensure that they are aware of your priorities and when you plan to complete a task. Make it a practice to keep your support group updated.
Tip: Create a family calendar or share dates with key people in your life.

#5: Adjust your priorities and track your progress
As things change and your priorities shift, remember to update your list continuously. Your ability to adapt to life's changes is crucial for success. When you set priorities, you work with the assumptions you have at that particular time. As new things happen, be open to change your priorities.
To check if the priorities you set are the right ones, track the progress you are making and the rewards you are seeing. This process also lets you know if you set the right priorities and are taking the right action.
Tip: Check your top 5 priorities regularly, at least monthly.

Call to Action
What are your top 5 priorities at the moment? Write them down.

Final Thoughts

• Know what is important to you - have clear priorities.
• At times when many things compete for your attention and resources - make sure you dedicate time to your top priorities.
• Stay focused on your priorities and reap the rewards.

Great Resources

• How to Focus on What’s Important, Not Just What’s Urgent
• David Allen's Five simple steps that apply order to chaos
• 8 Reasons You’re Exhausted, Overwhelmed, and Unproductive
• How to Find the Time for That Important Project
• Taming the Epic To-Do List