It is not uncommon for work to accumulate and then it becomes an endless list of pending tasks. It is worlds apart from getting done with your daily workload and feeling productive. Procrastinating allows projects to pile up and you feel like the to-do list only gets bigger..
This can become a problem when larger processes or tasks begin to be delayed, or when other teammates or collaborators cannot complete their own tasks in a timely manner, thus affecting various parts of the work structure.
Here are some tips and ideas that will help you finish your pending work and be more productive.
How to get done with your pending work list
Prioritize tasks and solve the most difficult ones first
It is essential to prioritize the list of pending tasks and establish which ones require the most immediate attention. Try to dedicate your first working hours to these tasks and avoid procrastinating.
Accept your abilities and face challenges
Sometimes, we avoid tackling difficult tasks we believe “this is not the right time”, or perhaps those that are too complicated, or that require a learning process. At other times, the opposite happens: certain tasks seem so simple that we simply forget about them, since they do not require our immediate attention.
Addressing these tasks as small or big challenges can make a great difference when it comes to forgetting a pending task or not.
Say no to multitasking
Some people mix the idea of being highly productive with multitasking. Contrary to popular belief, addressing several tasks at the same time does not make processes easier or faster; in fact, it delays them and is not effective.
Perform one task at a time and always try to finish it before starting another, that way the workload will be managed effectively.
Avoid unnecessary social distractions
If you’re on task, it’s best to stay away from your phone’s notifications, from replying to work conversations, or other distractions. Turn off or put away your phone, and choose a different time to check messages that would otherwise delay you.
Learn to take breaks
You can take breaks during your working day; these should be short and allow you to disconnect for about 5 minutes. These are not 5 minutes so you can check your social networks, but to relax, to take a moment for yourself, and to be able to focus again on your work.