<div><p><b>Ask, Is this really necessary? Do you need to have that meeting? In many cases, you don't, but you do anyway simply because that's what you've always done.</b></p></div><div><p>Eliminate as many "nice to do" tasks as possible - you'll have more time to be effective where it really matters.</p></div>

Eliminate "nice to do" tasks

<div><p><b>We all work differently. Some like to hit the ground running. Others like to start the day by reflecting, meditating, and thinking. Some like to work into the night.</b></p></div><div><p>Understand how you like to work and how you work best. Do some experiments to figure out what works best for you.</p></div>

Understand your operating rhythm

<div><p><b>If you're a leader you naturally impact other people. You set a direction. You set a standard.</b></p></div><div><p>Be a great role model: a person who gets important tasks done, who stays on point, who focuses on achieving goals and dreams ... and who helps other people achieve their goals and dreams.</p></div><div></div>

Remember your impact

<div><p><b>People who are always "in the moment" don't look ahead and make plans to pursue their goals and dreams. <br></b></p><p>There are things you need to do every day, much of what you think you need to do isn't particularly important--especially where your long-term goals are concerned.</p></div>

Overcome the tyranny of the present

<div><div><p><b><span>Sometimes the answer to "Is this really necessary?" is "Yes, but not right now." </span>What is the most important thing you need to do today? </b></p></div></div><div><p>Reset your calendar and reprioritize. Getting stuff done is fine, but getting the right stuff done is what really matters.</p></div><div></div>

Reprioritize

<div><p><b>Research shows people tend to make their best decisions when they have an opportunity to review the data and facts and then focus their thought on something else for a while.</b></p></div><div></div><div><p>How? Take a walk. Do a mindless chore. Exercise. Do something where your body goes on autopilot and your mind does too. </p></div><div></div>

Time for unconscious thought

<div><p><b>Most people are distracted over 30 times an hour: phone calls, emails, texts, office drop-ins... The list is endless.</b></p></div><div><p>Schedule blocks of time when you'll turn off alerts. The only way to stay on schedule is to work on your <em>own</em> schedule--not on that of other people.</p></div>

Tame your distractions

<div><p>Sometimes you simply need to say no. Other times you can say, <b>"No, unless..." and add stipulations.</b> The same is true with yes: <b>Saying, "Yes, but only if..." creates guidelines.<br></b></p></div><div><p>Always consider the effect of a request on your most important goals. An automatic yes also automatically takes time away from what you need to get done.</p></div>

Be strategic with "yes" and "no"

<div><p><b>No one can or should be on 24/7. Yet you probably feel you are--because you allow yourself to be.</b></p></div><div><p>Set some boundaries: the time you'll stop working, certain times you'll do things with your family, certain times you won't take calls, etc. Then let people know those boundaries.</p></div>

Set boundaries

<div><p><b>What are your priorities for the month? The week? Today? Determine what they are and do those things first.</b></p></div><div><p>Why would you work on less important tasks when the truly important items are where you create the most value--whether for your business or your life?</p></div><div></div>

The important tasks come first

After reading an early version of a new book, I decided to do a quick survey during a speaking engagement. I asked the audience, "How many of you feel overworked and overwhelmed?" As far as I could tell, every hand was raised. That's what I expected. We all feel overworked.

Eliminate "nice to do" tasks

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