Connecting the D.O.T.S to prioritize more effectively

How many times have you heard yourself say “I just don’t have the time”? I have realized that it is not that we do not have the time; it is that the task in question is not a priority for you at that moment.  If it was a priority, you would find the time.

Doing more in the limited time you have is an art, and there are four things that we can do to achieve the optimal utilization of the limited time we have. I call it connecting the DOTS: Delegate, Organize, Take Breaks, Say NO.

Delegate: Delegate, but be responsible. You can get more done if you delegate. Do not think you can do it all. When you delegate, make sure you oversee the progress of the task(s). Be responsible for the task; any success will be the team’s success, but consider the failure your own.

Organize: Do not start your day by checking your emails, start your day by organizing your day. Think about what you want to accomplish that day and how you are going to achieve it. Organizing your work day will trickle down to help organize the day for the others who work with you.

Take Breaks: Your mind gets tired, refresh it. Small breaks through the day will increase your productivity and concentration. Move away from your desk every few hours, connect with your colleagues, step away at lunch; a refreshed mind is a productive mind.

Say NO: It is very important to know your limit. Do not take more work than you can accomplish in a day. Learn to say “NO”, or communicate your expected timing. Give your manager realistic expectations of when they can expect a task to be completed. It is ok to say “NO” (just not all the time!)

Most of all … enjoy your work! Have fun.  If you love what you do you will find a way to do it better.

– Shirin Bilmoria