It is easy for a well-prioritized day to quickly unravel. Despite your best efforts to get your day in order, a last minute meeting or rush project can leave your schedule a mess. Here are some pointers that can keep you on track no matter what is thrown at you throughout the day.

 

Open Door Time – Setting aside quiet time to hunker down and get to work on a project is important. Constant interruptions can throw off your creativity and focus resulting in a late or unimpressive finished project. Establishing a time during your day when you are available to discuss ideas or projects with others will set you up for success. This allows you to remain productive while also still collaborative. But ensuring you are able to do your job well will keep you ahead of the game. Do not always make yourself available at all times. Setting this boundary can help establish you as a professional.

 

Do Not Overpromise – Learn to balance yourself on that gray line of being proactive and a hard worker while also knowing when you have hit your limit. Not saying “yes” to everything is not a bad thing. Have a candid discussion as to why you must push back on a project or extend a deadline. So long as you are not frequently asking for more time or resources, your requests will be respected. Your goal should be to do your best work. If you have to rush or not do as much research as you should on an assignment, you might have too much on your plate. Talk to the project manager about reorganizing some assignments to make sure the work you turn in is your best effort.

 

Small Doses – Looking at your entire to-do list can be daunting. Taking the projects at hand in small doses can help you remain focused and motivated to complete everything in a timely manner. Keep in mind: not everything must be completed at once. Figure out a prioritizing system that works for you and stick to it. Finish the most important tasks and projects first before tackling the other items on your list.