Like using a hammer to insert a nail makes the process easier, so using a To Do list makes using my time more productive. Last week, I shared how I create my To Do list. The list might look overwhelming when you think of everything that needs to be done. With the list created, we can now plan a course of action.

STEP TWO:    Prioritizing my To Do list.

During the afternoon and/or evening when I am working at my desk, I will review my To Do list. As I scan the list, I look for items that have an up-coming deadline since these items need to be completed before tasks that “just make my life easier.” By keeping myself reminded of my projects, I am better able to meet deadlines and stay-on-top of my responsibilities. When I finish one task, I have a plan for the next item to complete. My To Do list helps me to see all my projects at once, so I can prioritize which item needs to be completed next.

I usually prioritize by due date. For me, PAYING THE BILLS will be completed before PURGING 2010 ACCOUNT FILES. The account files have no deadline. They can sit for a long time without any penalty. But if I miss the due date of my utility bill, then I will probably get a late fee, possibly lose service, and end up paying more than necessary.

For another example, MAKING HISTORY FAIR PROJECT would be completed, started, or delegated before WRITING ADDITIONAL BLOG PAGES. Having the pages on the website would be nice, but my son needs his project by the end of April. (I don’t usually put the date beside the items on my To Do list because I can remember time frames. But if you need that extra reminder, then a month/day beside each item might help as you prioritize.) Just knowing the deadlines and the time frames needed for each item, I can prioritize and schedule my time wisely to complete the needed tasks.

Having my To Do list created and prioritize helps me to save time as I prepare to execute. Next week, we will conclude this 3-part series with executing our To Do list.