Quite often, when it comes to procrastination or engaging in low self-esteem behavior, there is a sub-conscious element of Payoff involved. This might hold us back from being efficient or taking desirable action.
Can consciously using Payoff work in reigning in an overwhelming To Do List?
Let’s find out! I love trying new ideas and tools and here is how the Payoff Method works.
- Look at your To Do List or Task List
- Note down how much time it will take to complete each task
- Weigh each task in terms of the Payoff of completing the task. You could rank a low priority task as say 1 ranging to 10 for a task that has a high payoff. Please note that there is no right or wrong Payoff – this is something unique to each individual
- Now, weigh each task by the Payoff that you expect from Step 3 with the time you have estimated the task will take in Step 2
For effective time management, first complete those tasks that have high payoff and that take little time. Likewise, a low payoff task that takes a lot of time should either be done last or considered whether it really has to be done.
This completes my series of time management methods. Hopefully you have found one that will work for you.
In all 3 methods I outlined, the key thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t matter which method you decide to use. Or even if it is a combination of methods or one that you have designed for yourself.
What is more important is that it works for you. It has to enable you not only to rank the order of tasks but also to make your To Do List more relevant. This means eliminating or deferring tasks that are not important or of least priority.
This takes care of the efficient part of time management.
I recommend that you download The Karmic Ally Coaching Experience Eight Tested Commandments for Time Management with the bonus resource Prioritize Your Life below.