Determine if there are similar tasks you can group or efficiency. For example, if you have "wash the dishes" and "wipe down surfaces" on your daily list of tasks, consider doing those together or one right after the other since they require some of the same supplies and take place in the same area of the house.

4. Cluster similar tasks

Begin by writing down every task, both personal and professional, you want to accomplish during a normal week. Focus on brainstorming rather than editing or organizing. Remember to include tasks that you complete intermittently, like changing the sheets on the bed or mowing the lawn, and everyday tasks like making breakfast or doing dishes.

1. Write everything down

Create, purchase or print a weekly chart. Begin filling it in with daily and weekly personal and work needs. Identify where it makes sense to complete tasks that recur weekly to keep your schedule as open as possible. For example, if on Mondays you have only four priority tasks, consider adding a weekly task like mowing the lawn rather than doing it on Saturdays when you have six priority tasks.

5. Make a weekly chart

Review your weekly schedule and determine if there are areas or tasks you can simplify or optimize to save time. For example, if you traditionally go to the grocery store on Sundays but that doesn’t leave time to manage other tasks that day, consider a grocery delivery service or moving the task to a weekday instead. Do this with any days that seem particularly full of activities.

6. Optimize your tasks

Once you've optimized your weekly schedule, create a loose hourly schedule for each day's tasks. Consider blocking times like "morning," "midday," "afternoon" and "evening" rather than an hour-by-hour plan. This way, if a task takes longer than expected or you have to attend to an emergency, you'll still be able to maintain your schedule.

7. Order the tasks

Try out your schedule for a week or two and adjust it as needed. It might take a few weeks for you to establish a routine that meets your needs, both personal and professional, so be patient. Remember to allow for some flexibility every day since unexpected tasks will occur.

8. Stay flexible

Once you have your master list, go through it and identify daily priorities. Consider using a highlighter to help visually organize your priorities by work, personal, wants and needs. For example, highlight daily work needs, like answering emails or returning phone calls, in blue and highlight personal wants, like reading a book for pleasure or going out for coffee with a friend, in green. Do this for your full list of tasks.

2. Identify priorities

Review your highlighted list and mark down the frequency you want or need to complete your tasks. Write this number next to each task. For example, write a "7" next to “make breakfast,” since you'll do that every day. Write a "1" next to “change the sheets” since you'll do that once a week.

3. Note the frequency

Daily schedules help you optimize your time and avoid procrastination. Use these steps and an example to create your own schedule to be more productive.

5. Make a weekly chart

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5 lessons about Prioritization