To say that my personality type is “driven” with “minimal to no patience” is an understatement. I am motivated by meeting deadlines, responding quickly to communications, and staying one step ahead of all action items I have listed in priority order on paper. I love being busy and accomplishing things, but these motivations often lead to feeling “constantly overwhelmed”! I knew I needed to learn how to manage my priorities better to have victory over the stress I was causing in my own life! The following are action items that I have incorporated to relieve unnecessary stress. Practice is starting to pay off!
1. Identify project priorities based on delivery deadlines. Then, try to focus on one thing at a time and work diligently to complete it!
2. Once step one is completed, make a list and separate action items into the following structure … Remind yourself that not EVERYTHING needs to be done at once:
a. Complete Within 24 hours
b. Complete Within 1-week
c. Complete Within 1-month
d. No deadline
Once the items in the first folder are resolved, I start on the next level of priorities. I try to get the quickest items done first to minimize the list. An enormous list is often difficult to tackle, so I make checking items off my list more appealing as the amount dwindles.
3. Turn off distractions. Use the FOCUS option built into the Windows application. Turn off alerts, emails, etc. I have never had anyone get upset with me for not responding immediately, but that was often unnecessary stress I added to myself.
4. Although I do not like to “delegate,” it has often helped me get more done efficiently with minimal stress.
5. Manage expectations! Is it okay to “wait” and respond a little bit later? The answer is usually yes! Unless the building is burning down and you need to get yourself and your loved ones out the door, “taking more time” or “waiting to do it later” is not that big of a deal!
My perspective on priorities needed to change for many reasons. Since incorporating these changes, I have slept better at night and am less cranky. I get it done a lot more efficiently!
