Whether it’s documented in a traditional notebook, or saved digitally using tools such as Evernote, Microsoft’s One Note, or Google Shared Documents, your to-do list dictates your work flow and ultimately defines your level of productivity. Although you may feel like the to-do list is perpetual in nature, and there may be no ending in sight, there is a way to tackle your objectives and feel accomplished at the end of the work day.

I recommend that you practice these methods when prioritizing your To-Dos:

1. Document your objectives daily without fail. Although documenting methods and tools vary among executives, I make it a priority to list my objectives for the following day before I leave the office. This strategy forces me to analyze my existing to-do list, review my accomplishments and re-prioritize for the following day. When I show up for work the next day, my pre-analyzed list is there and waiting. I can then tweak on the fly and start crossing off the tasks as I complete them.
2. Make it count. There are many times that we are so caught up in the flow of the day, that we lose sight of the big picture and can’t see the forest through the trees. Emails, phone calls, office visits and unexpected fires in the workplace are inevitable and unavoidable. When prioritizing your to-dos, make sure you list your top 3 overall goals at the top, followed by your subsequent list of objectives. My point is, although we are often faced with miniscule business matters, don’t lose sight of your primary objectives and their impact on the organization. 

3. Make sure your priority list is your boss’s priority list. It is critical that you meet with your boss to review your top objectives and compare notes. You may be focusing your time and energy on a goal or objective that may not be at the top of their priority list. In contrast, something of great importance that will benefit the company may be on their list and not yours. Communicate with your direct supervisor regularly to ensure your goals and priorities are in sync.
4. Be open to change. Winston Churchill said, to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Don’t be alarmed if there is a shift in your course of action. Priorities may be altered, so be ready to adapt and accept change. Your top objectives yesterday, may be at the bottom of the list tomorrow, and vice-versa.

Become a master at work by mastering your To-Do List! By documenting your objectives, ensuring they fall in line with those of the company, and being open to change, you will remain in control of your work day destiny and your overall level of performance and productivity.

Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity