How Not to Waste… Mental Energy

Contrary to what your boss might think, not every task is of equal value. Greg McKeown, author of efficiency bible Essentialism, shares his simple self-test

IS THE JOB YOU’RE DOING NOW…

A A task your boss or client would consider urgent and not something that can be simplified or delegated

B For a low-priority client or junior colleague, or something that could be simplified or delivered later

C Something that you know, deep down, isn’t worth your time or theirs

A OUT TRAY: COMPLETE

“Most of us answer to more than one person, but you need to prioritise,” says McKeown. “If Person A controls your promotion chances, or provides 60-80% of your business, ask what the key thing you can do to help them is, then do this first.”

B IN TRAY: DELAY

“If they’re not urgent, many tasks can be adapted or rescheduled to make them easier to complete at a later date,” McKeown advises. “If you’re not at least 90% certain that a job is the best use of your time, you shouldn’t be doing it at all.”

C BIN: ABANDON

“Beware of the zombie projects – the ones that won’t die,” says McKeown. “Say no firmly and move on. If you didn’t do so initially, now is the time to talk to your boss and explain that this project is DOA, and needs to stay that way.”