4 Steps to Getting Unstuck

There are times of the year — or the week, or the day — when you simply have too much to do. You may buckle down and focus, or like many people, you may get overwhelmed and freeze up. Next time you are stressed out by how much you need to accomplish, take these four steps:

1.Make a list. Write down everything you need to do on a piece of paper.

2.Do the quick hits. Take 15 minutes, no more, to do the fastest things on your list: a quick email response, the 2-minute phone call. Use a timer to keep you focused.

3.Turn off distractions. Now spend 35 minutes focused on the tougher things on the list with your phone and email alerts switched off.

4.Take a break and repeat. Take a 10-minute break and start again. Before long, you'll have crossed enough off your list to restore your calm.

Harvard Business Review
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