When there’s a lot on your plate, that overwhelmed feeling of pressure can take over and ruin your productivity. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is get on a call or reply to emails. However, how do you get through it all?
1. Put it on your calendar.
The surest way to stay on task while working under pressure is to know what you’re doing and what needs to be done. If something is on your calendar, then it becomes very hard to forget about it.
Whether it’s following up on an email, calling a team member, or attending an important meeting, adding it to your calendar will help you feel less scattered and more on top of your workload.
2. Work with your energy.
In high-pressure situations, prioritization can often be the difference-maker. If there’s a lot on your plate, try to tick off the biggest things first.
Work with your energy and align tasks with your energy levels so that harder tasks are scheduled in your higher energy times, while lighter tasks are snuck in when you’re a bit more exhausted.
This should create a better flow in your workdays and keep you away from the “I’ll do it tomorrow” trap.
3. Set a timer.
The toughest part in most situations is getting started. A timer can therefore be a useful tool to create constraints and prevent procrastination.
It can be used in two ways: 1) As a starting line, you’re going to set a timer and then once it goes off you’re going to drop everything and get to work. Or; 2) As a finishing line, once you set the timer you’re going to put your head down and work until it goes off again.
This will create limits on your time and force action. As 37 Signals Say: “Constraints drive innovation and force focus. Instead of trying to remove them, use them to your advantage.”