Do you ever have a crazy, busy, chaotic week with too much to do? Of course you do! That might be every week. But sometimes we have extra things thrown into our already packed schedule and we have no idea how to get everything done. Well, I’m having one of those weeks. And, these extra things thrown in are good things. They’re worth the time, for sure. So, how do we get our regular stuff and extra stuff done, all within one week? The reality is, sometimes we just can’t do it all. Sometimes we just have to prioritize and do the best we can.
I love being busy with lots of things to do, especially family events, but I also struggle sometimes because it bothers me to not get everything done. It sounds cliche, but it’s true that we only have 24 hours in a day and there is a limit to our time. So, here is my method of prioritizing a crazy, busy, chaotic week. Actually, this is how I deal with almost all weeks. First, take a deep breath and get out pen and paper. I love good, old-fashioned paper! We’re going to go step-by-step.
- Write everything you absolutely must get done this week. Beside each one, write when they must get done, at the latest. These will be our top priority items for the week.
- Then write everything you really should get done this week. Some of these things don’t have to be done this week, but you know you should make progress on them. This might be a bigger project that you’re working on and you know you need to take weekly steps towards it to get it accomplished.
- Write everything you really want to do this week. These are things that don’t have to be done, but you know you’ll be disappointed and frustrated if you can’t get to them.
- Now, get out your calendar and decide what day you’ll do the “absolute must” items. Since these are the “absolute musts”, try to schedule these before anything else. Then decide which part of that day you’ll do it. Set up a definite time, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening. Plan it like an appointment and get it done. Make sure each item gets done by the deadline!
- Then you can write on the calendar what day to do those “really should do” items. Plan a definite day and time to make sure you’re making progress on these things. If you’re really short on time, you could schedule some of these things for the next week and that’s ok. We have to be realistic here and keep things balanced.
- Last but not least, try to fit in those things you really want to do. If you’ve been really disciplined about getting everything done, you earned it! For me, Saturdays are good days for doing things I just want to do.
So, that’s how I prioritize when I have a super-busy week. I know I can’t get everything done, but at least I know I’ll have the most important things done. The rest can wait till next week. Hopefully, you’ll feel more calm and relaxed when you see all your plans on paper and know that you’ll get highest priority items done and everything else done soon. Also, check out my previous post, How To Get Your Life Under Control. You can also use my free printable, My Weekly Schedule.
Prioritize, be productive, and have a great week!