3 Ways to Determine If A Task Is Worth Doing
Why task prioritization is essential to productivity
As the sun crept through the windows, Amy was already wide awake, mind racing with the day’s tasks.
Her life was full of meaning and purpose as a successful businesswoman, devoted wife, and loving mother of two.
But lately, she felt as if she were drowning in a sea of obligations.
With a cup of steaming coffee in hand, she perused her seemingly never-ending list and came to a sudden realization — something needed to change.
We have all probably felt like Amy at some point in our lives. Part of being successful involves maximizing productivity and managing time efficiently. However, not all tasks are equal. That is where task evaluation comes in.
There are undoubtedly some tried and true pieces of advice that cannot be dismissed, such as:
- consider the complexity of the task
- assess the time and energy investment required
- prioritize by deadline and urgency.
However, I want to share three additional tips that can help you evaluate tasks and effectively organize your to-do list for peak productivity.
1. Understand the Purpose
Lost in thought, Amy carefully examined each item on the list before her, mulling over its significance in her already hectic life.
Some seemed trivial, while others were importance. How on earth could she tackle them all?
The truth was, she couldn’t. Not without sacrificing her sanity and precious time with her loved ones.
With a determined grip on her pen, she methodically circled the tasks that truly mattered to her: her family, her health, and her business venture.
Everything else could wait.
Before diving into a task, pause and ask yourself these questions. Why am I doing this? How does it align with my overall goals? Does it fit with my priorities?
Evaluating the significance of the task and its relevance to your objectives is crucial to determining whether it’s worth pursuing.
If it resonates with your top priorities, it is likely a valuable use of your time and effort. However, if it does not align with your goals, consider whether it can be set aside without significant consequences.
This helps to direct your efforts towards tasks that will have a meaningful impact on your life and work.
2. Identify Personal Interests and Passion
Amy decided to carve out time in her schedule for daily walks with her husband and kids, and to cook healthy meals together as a family.
Additionally, she dedicated a portion of each day to her business, recognizing her deep passion for the work.
As a result, her business flourished and she found herself teaming up with other individuals who shared her same enthusiasm.
Consider your motivation and enthusiasm for the task, as it can impact the quality of work and the effort you put into it. Does this task play to my strengths? Does it bring me joy?
Account for your interest and passion when deciding whether a task is worth doing.
Oftentimes, tasks that align with our interests can be worth pursuing, even if they require more time and effort. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction can boost motivation towards future projects. Engaging in activities that spark your interest can lead to increased creativity.
Amy’s passion for her work extended beyond her own business venture. She became actively involved in her community, volunteering her time and expertise to help local entrepreneurs launch and grow their own businesses.
The gratification she received from this endeavor was immeasurable, knowing that she was positively impacting the lives of others.
However, she noticed not everything in her life was going according to plan. There were just some things that were not getting done.
One such task was organizing the garage. Amy hated the idea of spending hours sorting through old toys, rusty bicycles, and boxes of who-knows-what.
She could feel her blood pressure rising at the mere thought of it.
On the other hand, tasks that you find uninteresting or tedious can negatively affect productivity and motivation. In this case, consider the feasibility of outsourcing the task.
3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Realizing she couldn’t tackle the household problem on her own, she opted to enlist the help of a nearby handyman service. It would cost her a pretty penny, but it was worth it to maintain her sanity and peace of mind.
Next, she sat down with her husband and explained her plan. Together, they went through the list and discussed which tasks could be delegated to others. Her husband volunteered to take on more responsibility with the children, and Amy was relieved to know that they were in this together.
As her business also grew, she was well aware that she couldn’t manage everything alone.
She recognized the need for help and made the decision to bring on an assistant to help with administrative tasks. Moreover, she wisely delegated some of the more time-consuming projects to her trusted colleagues.
Not only did this liberate her schedule, but it also empowered her to concentrate on the aspects of the business that she found most fulfilling.
When facing time-consuming tasks, it’s always worth it to delegate to save valuable time and effort. Are there more efficient ways to achieve the desired outcome? Can someone else take on the responsibility without compromising quality?
Look for alternative ways to save time, reduce effort, and improve overall efficiency.
For instance, you should consider whether the task can be outsourced or delegated to a colleague with the necessary expertise and availability.
Alternatively, explore the option of streamlining or automating the task with the help of software tools or other resources to boost efficiency and productivity.
Final Points
Don’t underestimate the impact of task evaluation on your time management and efficiency.
By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can more effectively manage your workload and free up more time for leisure activities, self-care, and pursuing other meaningful goals.
Time is a finite resource. It is essential to use it wisely.
Hi, I’m J.O. I write about living a healthy and peaceful existence amid the constant chaos of life. Follow me and subscribe to my newsletter to see more of me. Cheers!✨
