How would you like to start every day off on the right foot? Wouldn't you like to feel a sense of excitement as you start your day? You CAN if you do something for just 5 minutes a day.
This is not some crazy statement - it really is true. I promise :) If you spend 5 minutes every evening (or at the end of every day) planning the next day, your life will dramatically change.
SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
1. GRAB A NOTEBOOK OR MY EAT THE FROG FORM
The point is to have something to capture your thoughts.
2. ASK YOURSELF ONE OF THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
* Which 3 - 5 things, when accomplished, will move me towards my goals?
* What is the best use of my time tomorrow?
3. THINK EFFECTIVE, NOT BUSY
Busy means you're doing lots of things. Effective means you're doing the RIGHT things.
E.g. Yesterday, after I downloaded email, I had two choices - keep BUSY by reading newsletters and replying to all my blog comments & personal emails, or be EFFECTIVE by responding to a journalist who wants to interview me, and write this newsletter.
Guess which I chose to do?
4. NOW WRITE DOWN NO MORE THAN 6 TASKS
Mary Kay, one of the world's most successful businesswomen, said that the secret of her success was to only tackle 6 tasks a day. If it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me.
I actually showed a client my own planner a few weeks ago. When I think I'm Superwoman and put down more than 6 tasks, I never get them all done. But when I put 5 or 6 tasks on my list, I get them all done.
5. NUMBER THEM IN ORDER OF PRIORITY
Only now (in step 5) do you number them. Don't try and number them before you get them down - you might get stuck in analysis paralysis.
You'll hit the ground running the next day when you start on number 1 and move through your list until you complete number 6.
Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy people to organise their time, space, business and life. Visit http://helpineedmoretime.blogspot.com to read more about the Help! I need more time system and while you're there, pick up your free Organising Success Pack.
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