There's nothing like getting your day started on the right time-management foot! Too many times, you end one day without preparing for the next . . . cluttered desks, disorganized calendars, and no plan for tomorrow can lead to unfinished tasks. To start tomorrow off right, follow these seven simple steps:
- Clear your desk. Put everything back into a file drawer, even if you plan to take those items right back out in the morning. Throw away items that you will no longer need.
- Make tomorrow's to-do list. List all the projects, tasks, telephone calls, meetings, and objectives you want to accomplish the following day.
- Prioritize the tasks on your to-do list. Be sure to complete the prioritizing completely from A-list activities (those with heavy penalties if they're not completed) to lower-level tasks that can be delegated (D-list) or eliminated (E-list).
- Delegate all tasks, projects, and calls that someone else can do. If you can't completely delegate the tasks because of their complexity or because a staff member is gone the next day, at least send a quick memo or email letting the person know the assignment's coming.
- Determine what you need to accomplish to make tomorrow a great day. By determining a goal, you increase your intensity, focus, and urgency from the time you walk through the door.
- Prepare your workspace for tomorrow's A-1 priority task. Assemble all the materials you'll need and neatly stack and organize them on your desk.
- Rate your day.
To get better use of your time tomorrow, set aside time to reflect on today. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What went well today? What didn't go well?
- Did you complete everything on your to-do list?
- What did you learn today?
- What would you have done differently?
