Prioritize by color, number or letter - whichever method makes the most sense to you. Once identified, prioritize time to concentrate your work on those items with the greatest reward. The trick to prioritizing is to isolate and identify that valuable 20 percent. He noted that 80 percent of the reward comes from 20 percent of the effort. Use the 80-20 Rule originally stated by the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. Goals can give creative people a much-needed sense of direction.
Your optimum goals are those that cause you to “stretch” but not “break” as you strive for achievement. When asked the secret to amassing a fortune, one of the wealthy Hunt brothers from Texas replied: “First you’ve got to decide what you want.” Set goals that are specific, measurable, realistic and achievable. Goals give your life, and the way you spend your time, direction. So forget the “should’s” and organize your way. Some people need to have papers filed away others get their creative energy from their piles. If you need color and pictures, use them on your calendar or planning book or in your electronic organizer. Organize in a way that makes sense to you. In fact, according to time management pioneer Alan Lakein, failing to plan is in effect, planning to fail. Using time to think and plan is time well-spent. Prochaska-Cue, Extension Family Economist Thirteen straight forward time management tips are summarized in this NebGuide.