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Get it done! Strategies for crossing things off your to-do list that may work for you.

Prioritise Do the urgent things first. Failure to observe this rule will make you very unpopular at work and may even cost you your job.

Do the simple things next. If your list is a mile long but there are several things on the list that will only take a few minutes or are fairly simple to do, what are you waiting for, get them done. Being able to cross several simple items off your list will make you feel you have achieved something and will help with the boosting your motivation to continue with your list.

Alternate between things you like to don't mind doing and the things you really dislike. For example if you have to take out garbage (which you hate doing) but you also need to call your friend and take the dog for a walk (both of which you enjoy) do the garbage in between the other two. It makes it less of an ordeal.

Alternate between the physical and mental and don't spend hours numbing your brain when you can intersperse mental tasks with physical activity. For example if you have to carry out a data analysis, write a business report and hand deliver a completed presentation file to a local office, do the data analysis first and then take a walk to deliver the presentation before returning to the business report. The change in activity type along with the physical exercise of walking will rejuvenate you for the tasks that follow.

Delegate. If you are feeling bogged down why not try what all good time managers do, and delegate just make sure that the person has the skills and abilities to do the task if it is really your responsibility. Irresponsible or inappropriate delegation will not win you any friends.

Add something fun to the bottom of the list so that when you have completed all your tasks there is something to look forward to.

Learn more about this author, Christa Joyce.
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