Choosing what matters.
WHAT TO ASSESS FOR EACH TASK
Its importance, judged against your actual objectives Its deadline Who it affects What happens if it is not done
THAT LAST QUESTION
Frequently reveals that something requires nothing.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
The important work, before the day fills with the urgent.
WHY
Urgent work expands to fill whatever time exists.
WHAT TO DELEGATE
Anything someone else could do adequately.
WHAT TO DECLINE
Work that does not serve your objectives, where you can.
HOW TO DECLINE
Explain what you are prioritising, and offer an alternative where one exists.
WHAT TO DEFER DELIBERATELY
Rather than allowing it to be deferred by neglect.
WHY THAT DISTINCTION
Deliberate deferral can be communicated. Neglect cannot.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether your time matches your stated priorities.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE FIND
It does not.
WHAT TO ADJUST
One thing, and observe whether it helps.