Tackling To-Do's

With the start of a new year, it's tempting to take on a double-decker stack of to-do's. But the truth is that biting off more than you can chew will lead to frustration, burnout and disappointment.

Instead, follow these five steps to choose your tasks carefully and consciously. You'll feel better, and you'll achieve what's most important.

1. Start by listing all the tasks you'd like to do. Write down everything as if time and energy were limitless.
   
   
2. Next, look at each individual item and think about the amount of energy you feel for it. Would you rate your level of energy as "high," "medium," or "low?" Mark your answer next to each task.
   
   
3. After that, go back through your list and consider the impact that each item, when completed, will have on helping you achieve your most precious goals. Write "high," "medium," or "low" next to each item to reflect the level of bottom-line impact.
   
   
4. Now, circle all the entries that are marked "high" in both energy and impact. Think of these tasks as low hanging, ripe fruit ready to pick and eat. They are the best items to place at the top of your to-do list because you're energized to complete them and the result of your actions will be significant.
   
   
5. Take a second look at items marked "low" in terms of energy but "high" where impact is concerned. You'll be better served achieving these tasks by outsourcing to an expert or creating a support group to help you complete the work. Either way, you'll be pleased when the task is done.

Keep your list, refer to it often, and continue to update tasks throughout the year. Following these simple steps will help you feel more in control and successful in 2008.

About Merideth Mehlberg and Fresh Perspective Coaching

Merideth Mehlberg, founder of Fresh Perspective Coaching, helps her clients move toward new direction and meaning in their work, their small businesses, and their lives. She encourages her clients to dream big, and then provides the compassion, insight, structure and support they need to transform their vision into reality.

If your action plan isn't moving forward the way you'd like, or if you're struggling to see your situation in a new way,
contact Merideth at 510.864.0249 or mer@freshperspectivecoaching.com to schedule a complimentary consultation and sample coaching session.

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