How not to disrupt the plans and meet deadlines

If you ever do not have time in time to meet or perform business in the period, it is possible you have been planning errors. This is one of the most common cognitive distortions. We make such a mistake, even knowing that in the past similar case took longer. This is because too optimistic about their abilities and underestimate the likelihood of unforeseen circumstances.

For example, the house will be built on time only if the delivery is not delayed, the workers do not take time off, and the weather is perfect. There is always a chance that something goes wrong. Usually, we forget about it and set unrealistic deadlines. But if you remember about the error of thinking, you can avoid the negative consequences. Blogger Thomas their opponent I toldThat it needs to do.

1. Resist the urge to deal only with urgent matters

Distractions and minor urgent matters undermine the concentrationThe Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed ​​and Stress almost half an hour, and productivity suffers. Therefore, the ability to distinguish between urgent and important tasks is significantly affected your success.

Important is seldom urgent and urgent - important.

Urgent matters require immediate attention. Usually it is phone calls, meetings, tasks with deadlines. Important also to help achieve long-term goals and implement serious projects. Unfortunately, usually we put them on and then engaged in urgent matters. It gives a sense of productivity but actually we do not approach the main targets.

Limit the time to complete unimportant urgent matters like parse mail and focus on the important things.

2. Break large tasks into small steps

The more points in your project, the greater the chance that something goes wrong. Think about all the steps and create a step by step plan of action. Then set deadlines. Highlight to perform one step of half an hour or an hour. If the task is too big and not enough hours, break it into smaller pieces.

Such strict deadlines will be forced to seek the most productive way to work to catch everything. When you're done, look at the results. Surely there are tasks that can not be done quickly, and vice versa, things, time that can be more reduced. Think and make any necessary changes to your schedule.

3. Use the "tomato" timer

Keep track of how much time you spent on certain tasks. This will help develop realistic expectations and to overcome the excessive optimism in the planning. To track is well suited "Tomato" technique.

According to her, it is necessary to work intensively for 20, 30 or 40 minutes and then do a little break. The intervals separated by a timer. This technique helps break up large, complex task into manageable steps. Starting one interval, you'll want to finish the job, without being distracted to anything else.

4. Beware of those who encroach on your time

Protect your working hours. Often say "no." Then you will be able to focus on their tasks and projects instead of just reacting to other people's requests.

Saying "yes" to others, make sure that while you do not say "no" to himself.

Paulo Coelho, author

Do not allow himself to be drawn in the case for which you do not have time. Refuse hard, but this need to learn for their own concentration and composure.

conclusions

Due to scheduling errors, we feel overwhelmed. But if the time to notice and fix the problem, it is not so much hurt your success. Therefore, do not rely on the subjective idea of ​​how many will take some work. Were measured and compared. Remember how your plans are in line with the real situation in the last time:

• What went well and what is not?
• What can you do differently next time?

Track your progress and make decisions based on this data.