Learning to Prioritize | A tip from Canvus - the world's best online inventory system.
We all do it from time to time, we over commit. We keep saying ‘yes’ and taking on more and more responsibility until suddenly, we have “too many irons in the fire.” Before we know it, we have more projects going than we can possibly focus on at one time. We think we are multi-tasking, jumping from one project to another, but in reality we are cheating every project that we are working on because we aren’t able to give any of them the attention they fully deserve. To get time to focus on things a bit better, you should consider our super awesome free online inventory system as a way to free up time. We made our online inventory system really easy to use so you can get back to the things that matter most - you and your business.
Saying ‘yes’ seems like a good thing. We aren’t turning anyone away. We aren’t declining any requests for help. This has a negative impact when we reach the point where we’ve overextended ourselves. You can be sure that the first person you said ‘yes’ to is wishing that you had said ‘no’ to one of the subsequent requests. Each person seeking your help probably thinks their project is of the highest priority and deserves your full, undivided attention.
The best idea is to avoid overcommitting in the first place. Before taking on a new project, look at the projects you’re already responsible for. How many things are you currently working on? How much time needs to be allotted for the successful completion of each? Don’t say ‘yes’ to anything else unless you are completely confident that you have the time to finish it, in addition to your other commitments. Even the smallest, quickest project has the potential to tip the scales to the “too many irons in the fire” level. Remember to check your calendar for those external events that could hinder successful project completion. Many deadlines are missed because of outside events that take your time and attention away from work projects.
If you’ve already taken on too much, there are a few things you can do. First, talk to the project owners. Does anyone have some deadline flexibility that could allow you to space your projects out more? If not, look to your co-workers. Is there anyone that can help you? Could you delegate any part of the project to someone else to free up your time? The last resort would be to consider hiring an external service to take on part of the project. Your office may have a copier but if you are spending valuable time making copies while other work goes undone, it might be more beneficial to outsource your copying tasks so that you can move on to more critical aspects of the project. Honestly evaluate where your time and talents are best used. Don’t waste them both on tasks that don’t deserve them.
It’s inevitable. When we take on too much, something (or more often, most things) don’t get the time and attention that they deserve. Projects may be done, but they won’t be done as well as they could (or should) have been. Don’t let your positive ‘can do’ attitude become a negative. Say ‘yes’ when you’re able, but don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ when you need to. And just to reiterate, saying no in a careful manner take time. Time to evaluate and consider the consequences. To get more time to do just that, try our free online inventory system today. You'll be thankful as your time begins to free up and decisions become a bit clearer.
