Clear Intentions Clarify Actions by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC

Most of us suffer from having too much to do in a day. Prioritizing all those tasks can sometimes seem overwhelming. As you’re working through your plan for the day or week, don’t forget that thinking through your intentions can help you to clarify exactly what actions you need to take and help you determine which actions have the highest priority.

Think About the Results

This means beginning with the end in mind. Decide first what you are trying to accomplish today. Then rank those plans in order, marking your “must dos” first. Once you’ve determined the goals that must be met today, you can get a much better idea of what actions you must take to complete the day’s intentions.

Beginning your day or week with this sort of focus really clears the clutter from your mind and helps you to stay on task. You’re less likely to find yourself working on whatever someone puts in front of you or asks of you, and more likely to work on the tasks that really make a difference to your business.

Plan for the Unexpected

Of course, it is important to factor in some time for distractions each day. In any business, unexpected things come up that must be attended to. When you plan some time in your day to handle these issues, you are less derailed when these happen. You can handle the surprises and then get right back to the work you’ve already identified as most important for the day. This kind of plan minimizes the risk that an “emergency” will ruin your day.

This intentional focus on the day requires a change of mindset. It means you’re creating your day, rather than letting the events of the day control you. It may take some special focus in the beginning to learn to structure your day this way, but once you have mastered this routine, you’re certain to find that you not only accomplish more, but accomplish more of the really important tasks each day.