There’s plenty of advice out there saying that tasks need to be prioritized. That it’s better to work on the most important tasks first, and save the less important for later.
Is that always true?
A lot of the time, yes. If your list of tasks are similarly distributed among needed time for completion, energy to do the task, how much attention you’ll need to put towards it, etc., it’s definitely better to work first on high priority tasks on your to-do list. Working on the most important tasks first is also good to keep in mind when other tasks are not time sensitive, are generally ongoing anyway, or not important.
However, I think we all know that the world and our to-do lists are not always that clean cut. I want to share two quotes about productivity to demonstrate that there are other ways to organize your tasks.
Organize for Efficiency
Develop habits that help you get more done in less time.
Robert Bly, Getting Started as a Freelance Writer
I had the idea for this post because of how I organized my Sunday. I had a ton of school stuff to do and a few things for work I wanted to get ahead on. Obviously, on a weekend, school gets the higher priority slot. So, the first thing I did was collect, sort, and start laundry.
Tasks like laundry, running the dishwasher, and other similar set-it-and-forget-it should be done first. That way they are working while you are working. Double the productivity.
I also happen to like that laundry is a great excuse to get up and get the blood flowing every 45 minutes when it’s time to switch loads. It’s my version of the Pomodoro Technique for productivity.
Work With Your Inspiration
Use the approach of inviting yourself to participate in the project on whatever component or element appeals to you at that moment.
Theresa Barker, The Painless Path to Technical Writing
How productive are you really when you’re working on a project that you just don’t want to do? I’m not saying those tasks should be avoided; they have to get done just like everything else. But, maybe there are better ways to reorganize and get yourself moving on it.
One way is to work on an easier project just for the satisfaction of crossing something off your list. The momentum might be enough motivation to keep going and start on the project you’re less enthusiastic about, even if just so you can keep crossing stuff off.
A different way to get started on that less-than-interesting project is to break it down into its various elements and find one part that is more interesting to you than the whole. Getting involved with that element may help you buy-in to the project as a whole and you’ll be able to get it done easier.
Ultimately, the best way to be productive is to work the way you work best. Figuring that out will take time, experimentation, and a lot of patience. It is worth it in the end. If you pay attention to your own work habits and when you aren’t quite as productive as you’d like to be, you’ll get to a point where you can adjust and improve.
What kind of productivity tips, hacks, and tricks have worked for you? Leave a comment! I’d love to get a conversation going.