Choose a planner that best meets your needs and preferences. You might prefer to use an online daily planner or download a daily planner app. You can also purchase a paper based daily planner that you can physically carry around with you in your purse or pocket.
To create your priority list, go back to your to-do list. Next to each item, put an “A” next to things that must be done today, a “B” for things that should be done, and “C” beside things that could be done. You would then focus your attention on completing everything that must be done and completing as many of things that should be done. The “could be done” items are simply optional. It might be helpful to create some high priority items based on your short-term goals. Many of your short-term goals will most likely be your top main objectives at the moment.
Try and set a specific amount of time to work on each separate tasks. You can reduce the temptation to work on other things by removing from your workspace any material and items not related to the task at hand.
Set an alarm or alert to help you keep track of time. You can also simply write the times down and post it where easily visible.
You might need to consider changing a goal if you find that you’re continually veering away from the goal. Allowing for flexibility in goal setting is necessary in achieving optimal success. [10] X Research source There are a number of questions that you can ask yourself to assist you in monitoring and evaluating your progress. Ask yourself: What am I doing well? What can I improve? What is hindering my success?
Incorporate a couple of recreational hours into your weekly schedule to celebrate the completion of a productive week. Spend those hours doing something you really enjoy like going to the movies, hanging out with your friends during happy hour, or treating yourself to a good meal.
Try and schedule a time to sit down with a role model to discuss how they’ve been successful in prioritizing and achieving their goals on a regular basis.
One way to manage your fear of not completing a task perfectly is to assess the risk of the task. Ask yourself, “What will I gain or lose if I spend more time completing this task perfectly?” If you determine that the gain isn’t worth the extra time and effort, then move on to your next action item.
