Choosing Priorities and Most Important Tasks
Every day is busy and each project, task and appointment seem equally important to complete. When we get too busy, it’s hard to prioritize. As a result, it’s harder to make sure we are focused on our priorities. Does it seem like a vicious cycle? I am here to help with a simple idea and a download to help you each day set priorities and keep up with your goals.
The problem: are you focusing on the priorities?
We get a lot done! But are you getting the right things done? Some tasks take care of themselves and some need focus. It seems the tasks that are easy to us get done. However, the tasks with extra steps, those that take longer or there is an element of fear, these don’t get attention. These tasks can be laundry, meal preparation, a report for work or taxes. We may never be without underwear, but we might have that nagging feeling there is something we are missing.
The solution: Your 3 Most Important Tasks
As Zen Habits notes, put purpose in your day with your 3 Most Important Tasks (MITs). The idea is that the 3 tasks must get done today, no matter. If additional tasks are accomplished, that’s a productivity bonus. Your most important tasks are individual to you and your goals. “What are the three most important things that I could do today that will help move me closer to my goals?” The goals could be about relationships, spirituality, productivity, work, or exercise. A task is one small step of advancing to your goal.
Start your 3MITs here.
Let’s move into action with your 3 MITs. This download is a way to set your MITs, remind you of your goals, and set a time to accomplish your MITs. Set a time each day, at the end or beginning of your day, to write these down. Think about your day and when is the best time for your work on each task.
Most people find that the end of the day is the best time to work on the MITs. When you start your day it’s already focused. If you write your MITs in the morning, get an early start so you can not only write but start your day on time. Creating this system for MITs helps you knock out your tasks early in the day too.
Your MITs will help you get the most important tasks done more consistently. That’s the whole idea behind productivity!
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I really enjoy taking time at the end of the day to see how I did against my priorities and task list, reschedule anything that wasn’t completed and plan the next day. My daily list is very task-oriented, but I also tend to keep a couple of other lists where I capture larger goals and long-term projects. If I have a “light” day, I can flip there and see if there are any steps I can take to get me closer to those long-term goals. I love the MIT acronym – so useful (and makes me feel smart!)
That MIT sure does make us feel smart! I agree that having a way to track your tasks and goals, as well as a way to review, is useful.