You're juggling multiple deadlines at once. How do you decide which tasks to tackle first?

It's very important to prioritise tasks. Why? Because: • It helps you to do your work effectively • A task which needs to be completed before a deadline, do it before • If you think about a task which is time consuming, complete it first • A task which is not so important, do it after sometime • Complete the important tasks on time • Don't mix unimportant tasks with the important ones • Divide your time and your tasks • Time plays a vital role so keep a track of your deadlines

KISS - keep it simple, stupid. One of the best strategies to follow in any profession. Start by simply listing your tasks for the given day, then prioritize by effort needed, importance, time-sensitiveness, etc. I always recommend starting with the most complex and / or challenging tasks first thing in the morning. Most issues arise after the first hour of the day, so by planning that first hour for your dedicated time you're better able to introduce some predictability into your day and allot properly. After you've completed this difficult first task, your day should slowly "trickle down" to the more procedural and / or routine ones that don't require as much brain power. Work smarter, not harder!

Prioritizing is the key. Look for variables that will get affected with extension of deadline. Create your own matrix. Keep a risk register to continuously track the changes.

In a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple deadlines requires strategic prioritization. First, assess each task's urgency and impact. What will deliver the most significant results in the shortest time? Next, consider deadlines. Tasks with the closest due dates usually take precedence. However, don’t overlook longer-term projects that need consistent progress to avoid last-minute stress. Factor in your peak productivity periods and align challenging tasks with those times. Lastly, be flexible. Priorities can shift, so stay adaptable and communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with evolving goals.

I recently wrote a podcast script for the Get Productive with Detola podcast on a similar topic, which should be airing soon. Anyway to answer the question: It's common to get stuck in the analysis phase when deciding which task to work on first. The key is to set deadlines for each task once you've decided which one to tackle first. Use timeboxing to focus on the task and check for any dependencies. When the deadline arrives, do a review and then move on to the next task.

When managing multiple deadlines, focus on completing tasks that have the nearest deadlines. This ensures that you meet imminent due dates and prevents last-minute rushes. You also reduce the risk of missing deadlines and can better allocate time for other responsibilities. Prioritizing by deadline helps maintain a steady workflow and keeps your schedule organized.

Understanding the nature of your deadlines is key to effective time management. Prioritizing non-negotiable deadlines ensures that you address the most critical tasks first. By considering dependencies, you can build a realistic timeline that accounts for task sequences and avoids potential delays. This approach helps you manage your workload efficiently and stay on track.

Review deadlines for each task and prioritize those that are due first. Take into account the resources you have available, including time,information and assistance. Be prepared to reassess priorities as new information or tasks arise. Flexibility can help you adapt to changing circumstances.

Once your tasks are laid out, focus on deadlines. Some are rigid while others allow flexibility. Identify the non-negotiable ones—these take top priority. Consider dependencies, where one task relies on another being completed first. This approach helps create a more realistic and manageable timeline.

Accurately gauging the effort required for each task is crucial for effective planning. Recognizing the difference between quick wins and lengthy projects helps you allocate time realistically and avoid overcommitting. By factoring in your working speed and potential interruptions, and allowing extra time for complex tasks, you set yourself up for success and ensure a smoother workflow.

Use AI-driven tools like RescueTime, Toggl Track, or Clockify to forecast effort dynamically, adjusting for productivity patterns and disruptions. Tools such as Notion AI and Forecast by Harvest analyze past tasks to predict effort and optimize scheduling, refining time estimates and enhancing capacity management. RescueTime: Tracks digital activity to improve time estimates. Toggl Track: Logs time spent on tasks and provides reports for better effort estimates. Clockify: Monitors time with timesheets and dashboards to predict effort. Notion AI: Analyzes task lists and timelines for time management suggestions. Forecast by Harvest: Integrates time-tracking with resource management to predict time and resources needed.

- Break down how long each task will take and its complexity. If a task is quick and easy, you may want to get it out of the way to reduce your task load. - Schedule complex or high-focus tasks when you have the most mental energy (e.g., early in the day). Lighter tasks can be done when your energy wanes. - If possible, delegate less important tasks to others.

Estimar el esfuerzo que requerirá un proyecto es un paso súper importante en la planificación y ejecución exitosa de cualquier iniciativa. Realizar una estimación precisa nos permite asignar los recursos adecuados, establecer plazos realistas y gestionar espectativas de forma efectiva. En la estimación del esfuerzo están en juego la cantidad de tiempo, recursos humanos, tecnológicos y energía necesarias para ejecutar una tarea. Para estimarlo hay que ser detallista, realista, evaluarlo con el equipo (o con uno mismo si no hay equipo), revisarlo y ajustarlo. Con la experiencia que uno va adquiriendo se va mejorando este proceso.

In case of multiple projects at a time, Maintain risk register, monitor milestones, balance resources according to the risk register.

When faced with longer tasks, it's helpful to divide them into smaller, more manageable milestones. This approach not only helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed but also gives you a clear outline of your journey and allows you to track your progress regularly. Establishing these milestones is a great way to stay motivated and experience a sense of achievement as you reach each small goal. It's important to ensure that each milestone is specific, measurable and has a set timeframe to help you stay focused and committed.

SMART: Specific: Clearly define what each milestone entails. Measurable: Ensure there’s a way to measure progress or completion. Achievable: Make sure the milestone is realistic given the resources and time available. Relevant: Each milestone should align with the overall project goals. Time-bound: Assign a deadline for each milestone.

In addition to all previous ideas, I found these are very effective to minimize interruptions: - Empower others: Delegate less critical tasks to others to minimize people needing your direct input. - Redirect inquiries: Point people to resources where they can find answers themselves without your immediate involvement.

Interruptions are productivity's worst enemy, especially under tight deadlines. Beyond setting boundaries and silencing notifications, consider scheduling "interruption buffers"—specific time slots for unplanned tasks. This proactive approach reduces stress and maintains control. Additionally, using AI to monitor focus patterns can help optimize your work periods, while a minimalistic "decision-free" workspace aids deep focus. Finally, practice "pre-interruption conditioning" by planning quick recovery strategies for a swift return to your tasks.

Use Pomodoro technique endorsed by many Japanese. 1. Identify a task or tasks that you need to complete 2. Set a timer for 25 minutes 3. Work on a task with no distractions 4. When the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break 5. Repeat the process 3 more times 6. Take a longer 30-minute break and start again

Las interrupciones en el trabajo son un verdadero obstáculo para la productividad. Provocan frustración, agotamiento y ansiedad cuando uno necesita concentrarse al 100%. Necesitamos tratar de identificarlas, minimizar su impacto y recuperar el control del tiempo. Tenemos a diario interrupciones de todo tipo: provenientes de nuestros compañeros, del ruido en el espacio de trabajo, llamadas telefónicas, mails, notificaciones del celular y muchas más. Particularmente me funciona utilizar auriculares con cancelación de sonido, silenciar el celular y no estar pendiente de cada correo que llega. Atención plena es la clave...Dedicarle todo a esa tarea sin distracción, logrará que avances a pazos agigantados :)

Email Management: Set specific times to check and respond to emails rather than constantly monitoring them. Notification Settings: Turn off non-essential notifications or use "Do Not Disturb" modes on your devices during focused work periods. Handle Interruptions Professionally: If interrupted, calmly explain that you are in a focused work period and suggest a better time to talk or address the issue. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace: Design your workspace to minimize distractions. This might include noise-canceling headphones, a tidy desk, or a sign indicating you're busy.

Flexibility is your friend in the face of changing priorities or unexpected setbacks. Regularly review your task list and adjust your plan as necessary. If something takes longer than expected or a new urgent task comes in, reshuffle your priorities to accommodate these changes. Staying adaptable ensures that you can meet your deadlines without sacrificing the quality of your work.