How To Maximize Productivity by Prioritizing Tasks

When "to dos" come pouring in and you feel your adrenalin pumping to the max, turn off the panic button and tell yourself you can accomplish them. Finding ways of maximizing productivity by prioritizing tasks is the key to your sanity.

Just how do you go about prioritizing tasks? Well, you are in luck. Here are several instructions that will help you achieve that idea.

Step 1: Essentially, start off by jotting down all your outstanding tasks. Once you are able to develop a list of your remaining tasks, improve the habit of writing down the incoming tasks, moving forward, and maintaining it, as well. Some people may find it easy to sustain their list by using electronic gadgets like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or Laptops. Over the years, many applications have evolved for this purpose, one of which is the Microsoft Outlook's Task List. If, like some people, you may still feel awkward about using electronic gadgets, you can always resort to the traditional diary or ordinary notepads. Just keep in mind that whatever medium you use, it should be the most comfortable and practical for you, so that it will be easy to sustain the habit.

Step 2: Next step is taking a closer look at each item in your list of outstanding tasks. Determine which of your tasks have unbreakable deadlines and those which can be moved around. Clarify the timeline for each task and consider also the available time you have.

You can add a few minutes or hours by determining things that waste your time. A gossip monger is a good example. If you're able to identify this, you could plan ahead to avoid that person and gain more time.

Step 3: Take full advantage of your productivity while your mind is still active and can properly think. If you are tired and badly need a break, then go ahead. Once you are rested, you are capable of doing your task accurately and making the most of the whole thing. If by chance, you can still capitalize on your efficiency, schedule the task that requires countless concentration and thinking.

Step 4: If you notice that you have a lesser amount of time to finish off a task, try to determine which tasks are really needed to be done at that moment. There might be some odd jobs that can be delegated to someone else, or you may ask for help so that you can meet the deadline.

Step 5: Regardless of all these considerations, try re-prioritizing the outstanding tasks. Evaluate which tasks are critical to you, your group or for the company. Some people will look at the cost efficiency it brings. Whereas, others would see if it brings about streamlining of processes and some folks will look at the quality it brings.

Every time the "to dos" come pouring in, and you feel your adrenalin is driving fast, hold your horses and turn off the panic button. Do not forget to take a deep breath and tell yourself that this is easy and all you have to do is prioritize your tasks according to the needs.