The Key to Sorting Your Daily Task List to Minimize That Overwhelmed Feeling

You’re a very busy person with a lot to accomplish each day. In fact, you frequently feel overwhelmed by the number of items on your daily task list.  

That’s why it’s important to prioritize. Knowing how to order the tasks on your list is the key to avoiding a feeling of defeat when you think about all you have to accomplish each day. Here’s some advice to help you stay on top of everything you have going on. 

Four Tips to Tackle Your Daily Task List  

Prioritize Responsibilities 

Every item on your task list doesn’t need to be accomplished today. Take an honest look at all the duties on your agenda and prioritize them from most to least important. The ability to put some items on hold until tomorrow, next week, or next month will give you space to breathe. You’re only one person, so there are limits to what you can reasonably accomplish in a day. 

Set Time Limits 

It’s easy to get lost in a task and suddenly realize you’ve spent much longer on it than intended. Avoid this by placing time estimates next to each item on your list. This will help you better plan your day, while keeping you on track to complete every task on your list by the end of the day. 

Schedule Extra Time 

No two days are ever the same, so it’s impossible to know exactly what’s headed your way each day. Plan for the unexpected by leaving extra room in your schedule each day, so a last-minute meeting or an urgent request out of the blue doesn’t derail everything else on your task list. This will help you keep your cool when unplanned activities find their way into your day. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No 

It’s possible at least part of the reason you’re constantly overwhelmed is because you never push back. When your boss and colleagues ask you to take on assignments you know you don’t have the capacity to easily complete, don’t be afraid to speak up. No one knows your bandwidth better than you, so be aware of your limits and be your own personal advocate. 

Constantly feel like you have too much on your plate? ECS is here to lighten your workload. Get in touch today to learn about the full suite of services we offer recruiters and employers! 

 

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