G'Morning!!=The ABCDE Method for Setting Priorities

Good Morning!!

When one wins without problem, it’s just VICTORY.
But,
When one wins with lot of troubles, that’s HISTORY.

The  ABCDE Method for Setting Priorities

By:  Brian Tracy

Efficiency  is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things. Your ability to  plan and organize your work, in advance, so you are always working on your  highest value tasks determines your success as much as any other  factor.

The  ABCDE Method for Priorities

The  process of setting short-term priorities begins with a pad of paper and a pen.  Whenever you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do and too little time in  which to do them, sit down, take a deep breath, and list all those tasks you  need to accomplish. Although there is never enough time to do everything, there  is always enough time to do the most important things, and to stay with them  until they are done right.

Setting  Better Priorities

The  best method for setting priorities on your list, once you have determined your  major goals or objectives, is the A-B-C-D-E method. You place one of those  letters in the margin before each of the tasks on your list before you  begin.

"A" stands for "very important;" something you must do. There can  be serious negative consequences if you don't do it.

"B" stands for  "important;" something you should do. This is not as important as your 'A'  tasks. There are only minor negative consequences if it is not  completed.

"C" stands for things that are "nice to do;" but which are not  as important as 'A' or 'B,' tasks. There are no negative consequences for not  completing it. 

"D" stands for "delegate." You can assign this task to  someone else who can do the job instead of you.

"E" stands for  "eliminate, whenever possible." You should eliminate every single activity you  possibly can, to free up your time.

When you use the A-B-C-D-E method,  you can very easily sort out what is important and unimportant. This then will  focus your time and attention on those items on your list that are most  essential for you to do.

Just Say No

Once  you can clearly determine the one or two things that you should be doing, above  all others, just say no to all diversions and distractions and focus  single-mindedly on accomplishing those priorities.

Much stress that you  experience in your work life comes from working on low-priority tasks. The  amazing discovery is that as soon as you start working on your highest-value  activity, all your stress disappears. You feel a continuous stream of energy and  enthusiasm. As you work toward the completion of something that is really  important, you feel an increased sense of personal value and inner satisfaction.  You experience a sensation of self-mastery and self-control. You feel calm,  confident and capable.

Action  Exercises

Here  are three ideas that you can use, every day, to help you set priorities and to  keep you working at your best:

First, take the time to be clear about  your goals and objectives so that the priorities you set are moving you in the  direction of something that is of real value to you.

Second, remember  that what counts is not the amount of time that you put in overall; rather, it's  the amount of time that you spend working on high-priority tasks.

Third,  understand that the most important factor in setting priorities is your ability  to make wise choices. You are always free to choose to engage in one activity or  another.

Resolve today to set clear priorities in every area of your  life, and always choose the activities that will assure you the greatest health,  happiness and prosperity in the long  term.