Hit List

What do you do when you have too much to? Which thing gets done first when there are some many things that need doing?

When I get like this– with the deadlines quickly approaching, interviews in need of setting up, research that needs to be done and emails to be answered–I set up a daily hit list. Sort of like a to-do list but shorter. Attainable (or mostly attainable) for the day.

Sometimes the list has one or two items that seem so insurmountable that I tell myself if I do them, the day is a success. Sometimes it is an interviewing I am dreading or an assignment that must be completed. Then after I make the hit list, I come up with a reward. A little thing like take a break and go for a walk or go get some lunch out.

Most of the time when the big items on the hit list get finished, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Then I have my reward and return to my desk ready to tackle more. And the overwhelming feeling is gone. If it’s not, then it is time to review the progress made in the day or the week and say: “Good Job. Enough for today.”