I, like most, have to wrestle with when I do what.  Fancy word, prioritizing.  It is a skill I am not great at and have to create systems just to remain above par if possible.  Recently, I noticed a category of tasks that were not getting accomplished.  They were important but not urgent.  Most of our time is spent on time sensitive jobs, whether important or not.  We do the things the clock requires.  This keeps things above float and manages the quantity of work being done but does not raise the quality of what we do.  I want to do what I do better not just get the job done.

Dent the list of “Important but Non-Urgent”:

  • Pick a Day- This year, our department has added “One-Thing Wednesdays”.  We have scheduled one day each month to tackle tasks and projects that are important but not urgent.  Best way to do something that is not time-sensitive is  to give it time.  We can’t tackle everything that day but maybe we can address one thing.
  • Cut something- as you seek to do more your glass of capacity remains the same.  You can only push one button at a time.  You will need to either cut or delegate the less important to do the more important.

What is your important job that never seems to get done?   What is in the way?