- Make a list of all the things you have to do. Recognize the difference between what you must do and what you want to do. This can help you prioritize what is most important.
- Accept that you cannot do everything and practice setting limits.
- Break big tasks into little ones and then tackle them one by one.
- Accept limitations and have reasonable expectations of what is possible to accomplish, especially in situations where you are doing more with less.
- Plan your day a day in advance, keep a daily agenda, and reward yourself after you have completed a task.
- Avoid distractions by removing yourself from situations that divert your attention. This also applies to electronics—put them out of your sight when you are trying to get things done so you can get to the task at hand.
- Figure out when you are most productive and use that time efficiently.
- Get organized. Being organized can help reduce the time spent looking for items and can help keep you on track when implementing agendas.
- Take breaks. This helps restore lost energy and may provide you with more as you move through your day.
- Structure and safeguard time periods for tasks that need your full attention.
Additional resources:
- Roberts, Susan M. (1995). Living Without Procrastination: How to Stop Postponing Your
Life. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. - Allen, David. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free. New York, NY:
Penguin Group, Inc.
The Staff & Faculty Counseling Center can help you learn how to incorporate these elements in your life. For a free and confidential consultation with one of our counselors, please call and schedule an appointment at 310-351-6259.
Campus Human Resources, Staff and Faculty Counseling Center
Phone: (310) 794-0245 | Fax: (310) 794-0251
