on prioritizing

since prioritizing tasks is difficult for me, i'm posting this set of tips that was taught to us some months ago.. i was reminded of it when i rummaged through my disorganized desk a couple of mintes ago. hope that this would be helpful to all those who, like me, are always on the verge of breaking down because of multiple tasks, haha!

****

In the days before modern plumbing, families put their battered tin bath in front of the fire, filled it with hot water, and took turns to wash away the weeks grime. As baby always went in last, a tired mum was at risk of throwing the baby out with the dirty bathwater, as she couldnt see the good from the bad.


Prioritising Work Tip #1 A tired, emotional brain is not best placed to make decisions – this is when the baby gets thrown out with the bathwater. Good decisions are made by alert, objective minds, so make an effort to keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down.

Prioritising Work Tip #2 Know what’s important – learn to distinguish the baby from the bathwater. Ask yourself what’s important, and what’s urgent. Take pressure off and make good prioritising decisions by creating a list of questions to ask yourself when deciding what you should be doing and when.

Prioritising Work Tip #3 If you’re still struggling to separate the baby and the bathwater, maybe you need help. Help can come from anywhere – from your manager, your peers, your partner (or optician!). Someone with clearer sight or more experience may provide you with the insight and objectivity you were lacking. It’s okay to ask!.

Learn from history how to prioritize tasks better and don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!



--By Lyndsay SwintonOwner, Management for the Rest of Us (http://www.mftrou.com/prioritizing-tasks.html)

***