Manage your productivity potential

Managing our tasks typically involves a certain level of flexibility. If there are no urgent tasks that require immediate attention, it is often possible to work on multiple tasks and manage our time to ensure that we make progress on each one of them.

Some tasks are enjoyable, while others may not be. We tend to start with the ones we like most and push the ones we don’t like as much as possible. Eventually, we work on the least enjoyable tasks only when we are close to their deadline and have no choice, which may lead to having a feeling of a “bad day.”

It’s preferable to maintain a balance of energy throughout the day. How do we do it?

Set your internal mini-schedule in the best-fit manner as long as you stay within your deadlines. Here is an example of how to arrange tasks:

• Start with a task that flows easily

• Move to a task that you least enjoy doing

• Progress onto a task you enjoy, which will give you energy and motivation

• Return to the task you like least for a little while

Repeat the above steps as long as they fit your day and deadlines. Sometimes, you may have constraints such as meetings, personal issues to address, and crises to handle, which rearrange everything, but the approach is what matters. Occasionally, check your energy levels and tweak your mini-schedule accordingly.

It’s also essential to take breaks in between tasks. Stretch, move around, drink and eat something, or chat with someone to regain your energy.

Note that there can be a downside to multitasking, especially if it’s done incorrectly. One of the biggest issues is the amount of time and resources that can be consumed when trying to catch up on an unfinished task and recalling where you left off. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your preferences and limitations when multitasking. You can experiment with different time frames to determine what works best for you, whether an hour per task type, two hours, or more.

Some people start their day with the task they least enjoy to get it out of the way, others do it when they feel most energetic, and some place it in their calendar to promise they will do it no matter what, and arrange the other tasks around it.

By knowing your preferences and energy levels and adjusting your tasks accordingly, you will be able to progress in all of your tasks and work alongside your flow of energy.

Making a list of tasks is good in itself. Working on tasks according to your productivity potential is even better and will ultimately lead to better days, resulting in a sense of satisfaction in the work you have accomplished.

Remember that we are human and we all have tasks that we don’t like to do, and it’s OK. It’s best to accept this and learn how to manage it efficiently.