Shifting from Goal-Setting to Goal-Achieving
Brainstorm and set goals for the new year…Check!
Create a time management system that organizes your time efficiently…Check!
Factor in knowledge of common brain biases that impact planning…Check!
Now it’s time to get going. But how do I prioritize my actions without overthinking?
How do I narrow down the “all-inclusive” brainstorm list?
Simple. Adopt methods with a proven track record.
The Eisenhower Matrix, the 3-3-3 method, and “Eat the Frog” ease the challenge of prioritizing which tasks should get done, in what order, and by whom.
These are by no means the only methods, but they can be utilized within larger frameworks like the SMART (or SMARTER) approach.
Eisenhower Priority matrix (brainstorm list filter)
Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, categorizing your list into four quadrants:
Urgent and Important
Not Urgent but Important
Not Important but Urgent
Neither Urgent nor Important.
The tasks will fall into action categories which create the Matrix
Urgent + Important: Do it
Important + Not Urgent: Schedule it
Not Important + Urgent: Delegate it
Not Important + Not Urgent: Eliminate it
Neuroscience behind it: The Eisenhower Matrix aligns with the brain's ability to make decisions more effectively when presented with clear choices. By categorizing tasks, it helps reduce decision fatigue and cognitive overload, allowing the brain to focus on what truly matters in a given moment.
3/3/3 Method by Oliver Burkeman (Daily Breakdown)
Break down your tasks into three categories:
3 Most important Tasks for the day (MITs)
3 Medium-Priority Tasks
3 maintenance or Low-Priority tasks to keep things running smoothly (outsource when possible or use unfocus)
Neuroscience behind it: This technique leverages the brain's limited cognitive capacity. By narrowing down priorities to a small number, it aligns with the brain's preference for simplicity and reduces the mental burden of juggling numerous tasks. The focused selection enhances clarity and allows for more effective task execution.
“Eat the Frog” (Daily momentum method and avoidance buster based in Psychology)
Tackle the most challenging or unpleasant task first thing in the morning.
Neuroscience behind this: This approach is influenced by the brain's circadian rhythm and the psychology of motivation. The brain is often most alert and focused in the morning. By addressing a difficult task early, it takes advantage of this peak cognitive state and triggers a sense of accomplishment, releasing dopamine that motivates further productivity throughout the day.
“If it's your job to eat a frog, then it's best to do it first thing in the morning.
And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.”
-Mark Twain
These brain-friendly time management techniques align with neuroscience principles in various ways. They consider the brain's decision-making capabilities, cognitive load, circadian rhythm, and motivation systems to optimize task prioritization and enhance overall productivity.
By understanding and working in harmony with the brain's natural processes, it eases the demand, particularly for overthinkers and perfectionists, and smooths the way to achieve better results in managing time and tasks.
These three methods will clarify your path and pave the road to your goals, but it is also critical to be honest with yourself about the common distractions and lures that can take you off track. My next blog will feature techniques that build beneficial habits to keep you going when the going gets tough.
Why work harder when you can simply work smarter?
Have questions? Need help to create your brain-based time management system?
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a complimentary coaching session on how to get started.