4 questions to prioritize the work that matters

 

I found myself, early in my career, overwhelmed.  I had a lot of things on my plate and I wasn't sure how to prioritize them. Was this task more important or was this other thing?  What about that third thing that just hit my email inbox?  A friend of mine seemed much more relaxed and able to handle the onslaught of requests, tasks and favors that came their way. I asked them how they did it and they recommended I read a book called the 4-Hour Work Week.  You can pick up a copy on Amazon.com

I picked up a copy and ended up reading through the book in a weekend and it changed the way I worked.  I no longer valued working hard just for the sake of working hard. The book helped me focus on the outcome of what I was trying to achieve.  Using that lens I was able to more easily determine what priories really mattered. 

The book talks about how to prioritize your work as well and walks you through a whole process.  There are 4 simple questions you need to ask yourself when you are presented with a new request, favor, work task to decide how you're going to handle it.  Use these 4 questions to prioritize the work that matters most and will let you focus on what you love.

Will I enjoy this?

You probably didn't expect this question but it matters so much. Will you enjoy this task? Regardless of what your job is, there are things about it that you like. Maybe you're the manager of a warehouse and your favorite thing to do is organize the stock at the top of the shelves. Maybe you own a furniture company and your favorite thing is planing the table tops.  Regardless of what these tasks are when you are presented with an activity that you will enjoy, be sure to put it on your to do list. You will get more enjoyment and feel more refreshed and accomplished when you enjoy the work you do. So don't let work that you enjoy slip past you.

Does this generate income or work toward my big goals?

If you don't enjoy the task you need to ask yourself how this task will fit into your bigger goals. Is this something that helps you achieve your goals? Will it drive additional  income into you or your business? If the answers are yes, you'll move on to the last question. If this helps you get where you want to go, then you need to make it happen.  Whether you do it or someone else gets it done, it's advancing your income or your goals, so don't let it slip past you. What if it doesn't generate income or contribute to your goals. Do we need to do it?

Is this an obligation?

Some things you are obligated to do. No amount of desire to get out of it will help, you just have to do it. You don't like paying your taxes, but you have to do it. If you don't enjoy the task and it doesn't generate income or contribute to your goals ask yourself if this is something you're obligated to do. Is this something that will make or break your career, business etc if you don't do it? If the answer is no, then eliminate it. This is wasteful busy work that simply doesn't add value.  Let it go.  Now what if it is an obligation what do we do next?

Can it be delegated?

This is where we land if the answer to enjoyment is no, but the answer to if the task is income generating/goal achieving or an obligation is yes. You need this task completed but you won't enjoy it. Ask yourself, honestly, is it possible for someone else to do this? Can you assign it to someone else or ask for assistance from someone that can help?  If the answer here is yes, then request assistance. Remember we need this done, but we also want to enjoy the work we do, so let's get it done, but ask someone else to do it. What if that costs money? That's OK.  Look at what you gain in income, goal achievement or ability to focus on tasks you love and ask yourself if you'd rather pay to get it done or save the cash. If it makes sense, let someone else do it for you. If you can't delegate it? That's OK too, just put it on your to-do list and get it checked off ASAP.

Prioritizing your work can make a tremendous difference in both your professional achievement and your personal enjoyment. Your work life balance will get better and both your coworkers and family and friends will thank you. Write these questions down and post them somewhere where you will see them when you get asked questions. Think through them for every question for the next month and turn them into a habit. You will see tremendous improvement in your work.

I've been using these tips for years to prioritize my work and I want to know how you do it.  Tell us below!