Finding a Way to Get It All Done

by Kim on April 18th, 2011 at 9:00 AM

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey

I used to be an avid Franklin Covey calendar user. Some of you in the business world in the 90s will remember the assortment of binders and big hard copy planners we carried around. Now, there’s all sort of print or digital options from this company for our smart phones, but it’s their basic organizational premise that I’m trying to renew.

I’m tired of my “To Do” list becoming a sea of too much, and then never feeling like I’m “on top of things!” Why? There’s always too many things on the list, and always a series of unexpected things that come up whether it’s family or work obligations. The result? Many of the “To Do” items keep getting delayed….and delayed.

Here’s what I like about the Franklin Covey system. First, you list all of your “To do’s” and then CATEGORIZE them by Priorities: A, B and C.

A = must do.
B = should do.
C = If you get through A and B.

A’s require RESERVING the time and not allowing for interruptions. You have to block that time, it’s non-negotiable! If you get through all of your A items, you’ve stayed focused on what’s most important! Great job.

B’s should flow more quickly, and if you get through all of your B’s…its been a pretty seamless day.

C tasks are not as important, but they are usually easier to complete; so don’t get lost in blitzing through your C items just because you can. It’s important to move through them by priority, and this requires a careful and constant self-monitoring!

Focus on the A’s to clear you head and keep on top of your game!

I hope this helps you juggle all the family, work and school “To Do” items so you can have more fun, make more memories and enjoy.