Imagine that your boss has asked you to prepare an important presentation for the next board meeting. You only have a few days to put it together,your workload is already high,and you have many other urgent tasks on your To-Do List. Because of this,you're anxious,you can't concentrate,and everything seems to distract you. 1 The Urgent/Important Principle helps you quickly identify the activities that you should focus on,as well as the ones you should ignore.
1. Important and Urgent There are two distinct types of urgent and important activities:ones that you could not have foreseen,and others that you've left until the last minute. 2 However,you can't always predict or avoid some issues and crises. Here,the best approach is to leave some time in your schedule to handle unexpected issues and unplanned important activities.
2. Important but Not Urgent These are the activities that help you achieve your personal and professional goals,and complete important work.
Make sure that you have plenty of time to do these things properly,so that they will not become urgent. 3
3. Not Important but Urgent Urgent but not important tasks are things that prevent you from achieving your goals. Ask yourself whether you can reschedule or delegate (委派任务) them.
4 Sometimes it's appropriate to say "no" to people politely,or to encourage them to solve the problem themselves.
Alternatively,try to have time slots when you are available,so that people know they can speak with you then.
4. Not Important and Not Urgent
5 You can simply ignore or cancel many of them. However,some may be activities that other people want you to do,even though they don't contribute to your own desired outcomes. Again,say "no" politely,if you can,and explain why you cannot do it.
Schedule your tasks and activities based on their importance and urgency. When you use this principle to prioritize your time,you can deal with truly urgent issues,at the same time working towards important,longerterm goals.
A. This will maximize your chances of keeping on track.
B. You can eliminate lastminute activities by planning ahead.
C. A common source of such activities is other people.
D. These activities are just distractions (分散精力的事情) 一avoid them if possible.
E. To use this principle,list all of the activities and projects that you feel you have to do.
F. So,how can you beat this stress,and deliver the things that are essential to doing a good job?
G. Also,remember to leave enough time in your schedule to deal with unforeseen problems.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.