Using concepts like the Eisenhower Matrix or Eat That Frog can put your to-do list in perspective and help you identify what should take precedence.

For more ideas on productivity techniques to try out, browse our Ultimate Guide to Personal Productivity Methods .

If you're still having a hard time identifying priorities, try working backward by identifying work that's definitely not a priority. Eliminate those items and assess what's left. You'll have fewer things to consider and a more comfortable time deciding what's necessary.

As Donald Miller, author and CEO of StoryBrand, outlines in his storyline productivity technique , managing your time goes hand in hand with managing your mental energy. The more time you fight with your mind on which task you should be doing, the more mental bandwidth you're using up that won't be available later when the real work begins. Make quick and intentional decisions to focus on what will serve you most and just do it.

Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World , puts a huge emphasis on the mental consequences of dealing with constant interruption. He explains that by allowing ourselves...