“So, Marie, what do you do with the rest of your to-do list?” I asked. We had been talking about her to-do list and her project lists.

“I guess, just work on them. I know I should probably prioritize them,” she responded.

“Well, you have known all along about prioritization. How come you haven’t been doing that?”

“I don’t know. I guess I never get around to it. I just look at the list, and really, I just start working on whatever I think is easiest to get done right then.”

“The reason you don’t prioritize, is that prioritization doesn’t really work for anybody. It’s a time management trap that makes you feel good, but doesn’t get anything done,” I said. I could see Marie give me that mental pushback.

She stared at me. “Everybody says you have to prioritize, but you know, you’re right. I never do it.”

“Let’s do something much more effective. As you review the list, including all your project next-steps, you do one of three things.

Do it right now.

Schedule it on your calendar.

Give it to someone else and schedule a follow-up time.

“Bottom line, if it is on your list, it doesn’t matter what the priority is, it all has to get done sometime.” I knew that was enough for today. “Think about it. I will see you tomorrow. There is still more to this system.” -TF