Task Management & Setting Priorities for Projects – Large and Small

It often feels like there are not enough hours in our days to get everything done. To make life a bit more manageable, we need some system(s) and process(es) to help take the stress out of the workload.

Here are a few ways to help you manage your projects, large and small, and ultimately allow you to become more efficient:

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1. Make a list of your priorities. Here are a few ways to do that:
   • Do a “brain dump.” Take a few minutes and grab a stack of sticky notes and write each task that comes to mind
   • Organize tasks by categories (e.g. home, work, class)
   • Choose a project to focus on
2. Set some goals for yourself, organize your lists…
   • by priority (H-high, M-medium, L-low)
   • by project or location (work, home, school)
   • by deliverables (what is due first)
   • by importance (what matters most)
   • by time needed (how long will each task take to accomplish)

   Write down the tasks associated under each priority.

3. Schedule your day! Follow this resource to learn how.
4. For projects, plan out the pieces and parts – here is a resource to get you started.
5. Read this blog post to find some resources to help get organized
6. Cross off tasks as you complete them.
   • Keep your lists close by and easy to find
   • Use paper or find a program that helps keep you organized
   • At the beginning of each week update your plan and set some goals for the week
   • Every morning review your list to see what needs to be done (this also helps me get grounded for the day of work)
   • Delegate, schedule and, re-schedule anything that does not get accomplished

Resources to learn more: