Dealing with too much to do?
Are you overwhelmed? Rejoice! You’re a
member of a pretty large club.
Here’s a secret.
Even those of us with a reputation for
organization lose track. Follow these practical steps
and gain control.
Step 1 – Make a “Brain Dump”
List
Make a list of everything you have to do, no matter
how minor. Work according to your personality. If
you can complete this list in one setting, by all means
do so. If you, like me, need to work on
projects in pieces, then complete the list a little at a
time. If you know how much time the task takes to
complete, write that down as well.
Quick Tip:
If things to do
are
keeping you awake, keep a notebook by your bedside
and jot them down.
Step 2 – Jackie’s Practical Guide
to Prioritization.
Most “time management” books talk about Priorities
A, B, C. How do you determine what’s
an A, B, or C priority?
I prioritize by asking questions.
1. Does the boss need it?
I started my business to “be my own boss.” I learned
pretty quickly, though, that each client is “the
boss.” It the boss needs it, it is a top
priority and it becomes my responsibility to either get
it done or get help to get it done.
2. Is it a bright idea?
You’ve heard the
saying — each person has several million-dollar ideas.
All bright ideas for projects, products or services go
into
my “bright idea book.” I use a neon-colored
notebook and list each idea on a separate page.
3. How related is this “thing to do” to this
month’s bottom line?
My advice: if this action item will help you close
more loans this month, it immediately moves
to the top of the list.
4. How related is this “thing to do” to future
revenue?
Action items related to bringing in more business are
also extremely important (Priority A- or B+). If you
don’t keep the pipeline full, you will
quickly find yourself in big trouble.
5. Does someone else need this done in order to
do their work?
Your day will go a lot smoother with fewer
interruptions if you take care of these items.
6. What’s the worst that can happen?
If
I can live with the consequences, I don’t have time
to do it, and it doesn’t affect anyone else, I let it go.
7. Do I absolutely have to handle this personally,
or can I delegate?
If
someone else can do it, hire them.
8. Can I share the workload with someone else?
9. Can I do it in 5 minutes or less?
If the
answer is yes, go ahead and get it out of the way.
This is particularly true if someone else needs it in
order to do their work. Experience the joy of
crossing one item of your list. (Of course, this will
not work if you have one hundred 5-minute items.)
I hope you find this guide helpful.
JC Kadii, Mortgage Virtual AssistantSM . 770-469-7385. Through http://www.close-more-loans.com/, JC leads a team providing top notch administrative, internet marketing, and technology services to mortgage professionals. Mortgage professionals are encouraged to visit the website and sign up for the More Closings email newsletter to receive the report 6 Steps to More Referrals.
As if to slather the icing on my cake of blues, here comes Smokey, flashing lights and all. I sat in the KFC parking lot, grimly accepted my traffic ticket and marinated in misery. I continued my trip, slipping further and further into “stinkin’ thinkin.” 
As I drove along shouting and waving one hand (had the keep the other on the steering wheel) I could see out of the corner of my right eye, the expressions on the other drivers’ faces. They were afraid, very afraid. I did not care, man. I was banishing the blues! Elevating my mood! Getting in the happy zone! 
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