When facing the fact that we got too much to do, choosing what to do first can be a challenge.
It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the options ahead. It all seems equally important and all people around you claim for your attention on what they call "urgent" matters.
So, what to do?
I've read lots of articles, blogs, life hacks and books on the subject of productivity, and yes, I agree you should focus on what's important rather on whats urgent (nowadays, everything is called as urgent anyway). But how to tell what's most important?
Here's the method I use to decide what to do next.
What's your most important goal?
What's that you wish to accomplish yes or yes? Your most important project? It could be in any area of your life such as increasing your health, getting new paying clients, positioning your brand, growing your sales, hiring a new team, writing a book.
For that project, do one task first thing in the morning, before you do anything else. Because once you get in reaction mode, answering others requests and needs, it's very hard to gain back focus, and at night you may feel too tired to start.
If you have several projects on your mind, and you can't choose which to start first, then ask yourself the next question.
What can lead to results faster?
I'm not promoting impatience here, but getting tangible results will definitely boost your motivation and create momentum for the next project. So, from all your ideas, which will give you rewards in the short term?
Remember that your brain gets simulated everytime you accomplish what you set your mind to, asking for more. Celebrate your successes as they come.
What is stalling other people?
Then, after you've worked on your priorities, ask yourself who needs to hear from you to move forward. Then answer their emails, call them, do what you must. Don't be the stone blocking the road, it may backfire you at some point.
The quick and short tasks.
Many experts say you should discard these or delegate them, but the thing is when you're starting as an entrepreneur, you're the one doing everything, and these little task bugs need your attention. So choose the most important and do them.
For these short tasks, assign a timeframe, otherwise, you'll spend the whole day on them. So make a list of two to five tasks you can do in an hour or less, and get them over with. Another oxytocin shot for your brain.
Do you really have to do this?
Be careful, some tasks it's better letting others take charge. Not only because they'll leave you with some extra free time, but because there is people out there much better suit to do them than you.
Listen to your intuition.
You know in your gut what's really urgent and what can wait. Take a few minutes before starting your day to center, silence and connect with your inner guidance. Connect with your goals and dreams, and use this prayer form A Course in Miracles, one of my personal favorites:
“What would You have me do?
Where would You have me go?
What would You have me say, and to whom?”
For deep down inside, your soul knows the way.
Now, go for it you rockstar!