So you've got a 'to-do' list a mile long. Where do you begin? First of all, I like to start my lists with action words: 'call', 'go', 'do', 'read', 'write', 'consider' is my standard format. I make a chart. One column for each action.

You may have other more specific categories: 'at home', 'at work', 'with family' etc. If each 'to-do' item begins with an action word or specific category you can cluster similar tasks together e.g., make all your phone calls in one time block, schedule your errands in a loop in order to make the most of your mileage or have uninterrupted time at your desk to get your writing done.

Research indicates that switching gears back and forth from one type of task to another throughout the day is not only inefficient, it uses up precious mental energy and focus. Wondering about the 'consider' column? I use it for things I need to reflect on or discuss with someone before I make a final decision.

Are you familiar with Steven Covey's thoughts regarding 'important vs urgent' tasks? To read more about it on his blog, see the Quick Links section in the upper left of this newsletter.

Remember that a professional organizer can help you finally accomplish those 'important but never urgent' items; the kinds of things that need to get done but never really have a deadline e.g., create a paper or digital filing system, or plan, create or troubleshoot other systems for time management and record-keeping.

If it has anything to do with information, an organizer will always have plenty of ideas about how to manage it. Contact me to discuss your current information management needs. Let's get those important things off your 'to-do' list!