The 4-step priority system

by Marcia Francois
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We all know we should prioritise what we do before we start taking action but how do you actually do it?

1. MAKE A LIST OF ALL YOUR CURRENT (AND FUTURE) PROJECTS
If you like writing with a pen and paper (like I do), then grab a pen and start writing. If you prefer to type, open a document and start typing. The main thing is to get down all your CURRENT projects and the FUTURE ones you intend to do for the year.

At this point, don’t censor yourself – just get them down, okay?

2. EVALUATE ACCORDING TO YOUR GOALS, TIME TAKEN AND RESULTS DELIVERED
Looking at each of those projects, ask yourself these questions and be honest when answering?

* is this project aligned with my goals?
* am I spending too much or too little time on this project? (sometimes we need to spend more time on projects that are very important to us)
* is this project delivering the kind of results I expect (mo-ney, quality of life, relationships, etc.)

3. ELIMINATE OR CHANGE THINGS
Ouch! This is difficult, I know. But it’s either working for you or it’s not.

Decide which projects you can shelve permanently or until a later date. Or, if a project IS aligned with your goals but it’s not really yielding the kind of results you want, change SOMETHING.

Nearly a year ago, I decided that speaking was very important to me but I wasn’t getting as many bookings as I wanted. So I hired a speaking coach and things are going great now that we’ve made some changes to the way I do things 🙂

4. PRIORITISE AND FOCUS
Now that your projects are pared down, you can prioritise them. Make sure that you number them in terms of what is MOST important to you NOW (not what you think SHOULD BE important).

Pick the top project, focus and start taking action.

Based on this very process, I’ve whittled down my own project list of 13 and identified just THREE major projects for the rest of the year.

Now it’s your turn. Remember projects can be anything from business to “around the house” to personal…

Have fun and let me know if you need any help!

Want to use this article in your ezine or on your blog? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb.
Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://marciafrancois.com for your free Organising Success Pack.