This is one tip in a series of techniques to help you take control of your time, feel
great about each week, and watch those weeks add up to impressive results. The key to each successful week is two-fold:

1. Identify what would constitute a successful week
2. Make it happen

This tip tackles both. Get the unimportant tasks off the list so you can finish the important ones with enthusiasm!

Uncommon Booster #4: Create Energy with Clarity
Ask yourself which items on your To Do list are energizing and which are draining. An energizing task is not necessarily important, but it is likely to be done well and is often done quickly. The more energizing tasks on your list, the better for you, your company, and your life.

Tasks that drain your energy are never good because they detract from your ability to accomplish other things. The fewer draining tasks on your list, the better. While I suspect few people can avoid all draining tasks, my advice is to do the best you can. Identify them and do one of the following:

• Ignore them
• Delegate them
• Outsource them
• Manage them

We are energized when we believe we are doing something valuable and drained when we believe we are wasting time. If something doesn’t add value, find out if you can ignore it. If you are “supposed to do it” but think it is a waste, start asking questions. Maybe it is a waste and deserves to be ignored. Or maybe someone will help you understand the value, which should boost your energy level!

We are also energized by tasks that are a good fit for our talents. Talents vary tremendously thus one person’s pain is another’s pleasure. Some people want to be mentally challenged while others want to hone a process to make it as efficient as possible. Some are attuned to details while others won’t notice the details even if they trip over them. Some are keen on developing relationships while others won’t even notice the person at the other end of the transaction. A mismatch between task and natural inclinations can be a huge drain. When you identify a mismatch, look for ways to delegate, reassign, or outsource.

When you absolutely must do draining tasks, manage them to minimize the damage:

• Establish boundaries so draining tasks can’t expand to fill all available time
• Schedule them for a time when you have the energy and patience to dispatch them quickly
• Try to get them out of the way, perhaps in the morning, so they don’t hang over your head
• Reward yourself when you’ve finished
• Try to find the silver lining that will make them more interesting, more challenging, or more rewarding

Strive for the day when every task on your To Do list is energizing.