Not too Lazy to Get Motivated.

It’s not that I’m lazy. In fact, it’s just the opposite. I’m too busy.

I’m pulled in a million directions with too many things going at one time. I try to work on all of them and fail to complete any of them.

For example, when I’m in the office I have a constant barrage of emails, instant messages and meetings. I have to divide my time between all of these interruptions and my project work. With all of these interruptions occupying my time I enviably miss project deadlines and then I get an earful from my boss.

At home I have to divide my time as well. There are the things I WANT to do and the things I HAVE TO do. Between checking email, reading the news, watching TV, cleaning, reading that new book, etc, the list goes on and on.

I can’t do it all, so I try to do a little of each. Ultimately this is self-defeating and I end up feeling bad. What’s worse is since nothing ever gets accomplished I end up with less and less motivation.

After experimenting with different time management techniques I’ve finally got things under control.

I haven’t found the perfect system, but I’ve definitely made improvements.

Here is a list that I would like to share with you. These 6 tips will help you make progress and manage your time better.

Create To-Do Lists
Every “expert” out there is going to tell you to create a to-do list. Seriously, one of the best habits I ever took up.
Break Projects into Smaller Chunks
I have a hard time sitting down and completing a project all at once. I am, however, really good at completing small chunks or small tasks associated with a project. I recommend this technique highly. It allows you to make progress on a project and you can feel good about completing each small task.
Prioritize Your Workload
Each of the tasks on your to-do list should be prioritized. This way you can take care of the more important ones first. Sounds obvious but those of you that are like me try to balance too many things at one time. A prioritized list helps focus your time.
Complete the Small Tasks
This is the easy part and ultimately the most rewarding.
Check the Completed Tasks Off Your To-Do List
Checking off the completed tasks off your to-do list gives you the visual that you have completed something. Sounds silly but it works.
Carry the List Over
Anything that you can’t complete today rolls over to tomorrow’s list.