HOW TO PRIORITIZE LIKE A PROJECT MANAGER

In my last post, I briefly discussed your options for doing something when you feel like doing nothing. I mentioned that you have two choices: take a step back or persevere.

However, I don’t feel like I was clear enough about a compromise between the two. Yes, there is a middle road. If you learn to organize your tasks properly, you can easily figure out what needs to be done now and what can be put off until later.

The good news is that fancy project management software is not needed. Get out a piece of paper, a pen, and your calendar. Here are a few simple steps to get you started:

1. Create Macro List: Make a list of everything you need to do.

2. Next to every item, establish a due date.

3. Circle what is due today and tomorrow. Add a checkmark next to items due today. Start these tasks ASAP starting with the check marked items.

4. Create Micro List: Break down the remaining (uncircled items) into action steps and assign each step a realistic due date.

5. Transfer Macro and Micro due dates to calendar.

TIP: Color-code your Macro and Micro Lists. It’s easier to see everything at a quick glance.

Now that you know how to prioritize like a project manager, if you ever feel like taking a moment to rest, you will have a birds eye view of your schedule and immediately know if (and on what tasks) you must persevere.