Dear daughter, today I want to tell you about the benefits of prioritizing.
You probably heard about it many times. Also, you probably felt several times like you don’t have time to do all you are supposed to do.
I felt this myself, also my wife, and many people around me. So I want to share with you what I learned so you can use it for your own benefit.
So, here I want to introduce you to 11 benefits of prioritizing.
Table of Contents
- Definition
- Avoid procrastination
- Focus on the most important tasks
- Avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Save time and be more productive
- Make better decisions
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Achieve your goals
- Increased motivation
- More time for the things you love
- A more fulfilling life
Definition
According to the Oxford Dictionary, prioritization is “the action or process of deciding the relative importance or urgency of a thing or things”.
Definitions are important, so we know we are talking about the same thing.
Like Brian Tracy says: “Clarity accounts for probably 80% of success and happiness”. So, starting with the definition of the word gives us the clarity we need to start talking about prioritizing.
See below some of the benefits you can enjoy after you prioritize.
Avoid procrastination
This one is a huge issue that most of us have. Even if we are very efficient, and do all we are supposed to do, there is always the risk of procrastinating.
One way of avoiding this risk, or at least mitigating it, is to prioritize our tasks.
If you do your tasks according to your own prioritization, you will never procrastinate on your more important tasks.
Emphasis on your own prioritization. It should be what you plan, according to your goals. Different people can have different priorities for the same set of tasks. So, this is your own prioritization, do it alone, and then carry it out.
When you know what’s most important, you’re less likely to procrastinate on those tasks. This can help you to get more done and feel more accomplished.
Focus on the most important tasks
When you prioritize, you will focus on the most important tasks for you.
Time is not enough to do all the things that, sometimes, we think we should do. When you establish your priorities, you will be focused on what is more important.
A tip here is to apply the 80/20 principle. Prioritize the 20% of the tasks that will give you the 80% of the results you want to achieve.
Avoid feeling overwhelmed
When you know what’s most important, you can focus your time and energy on those tasks and avoid getting bogged down in less important ones.
If you know what single task you should be doing at any time, you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Remember the recommendation about decluttering your life? When you feel overwhelmed, just start! Decide where to start (a.k.a. prioritize) and just start.
Save time and be more productive
When you prioritize your tasks, you’re less likely to waste time on things that aren’t important.
The less important things will be the last on your list.
Now that you have your priorities, you won’t have to spend time deciding what you should do on any particular date. You already know what you should be doing. Several people say that every minute spent in planning (prioritizing is part of planning), saves 10 minutes in execution. Imagine how much time you can save.
This can help you be more productive and get done in less time.
Make better decisions
When you prioritize your tasks, you’re more likely to make decisions that are aligned with your goals. This can help you to achieve your goals more effectively.
It will be of great benefit to you if you use the 80/20 rule. Just by using the rule, you will be making better decisions.
The priority you choose will help you keep on track.
Reduce stress and anxiety
When you feel like you’re on top of your priorities, you’re less likely to feel stressed. This can lead to a healthier and happier life.
Improved sleep
When you’re not stressed or anxious, you’re more likely to get a good night’s sleep.
This can help you to be more productive and alert the next day.
Achieve your goals
When you prioritize your tasks, you’re more likely to achieve your goals. This is because you’re focusing your time and energy on the things that matter most.
So, to achieve your goals you have to actually have goals. If you don’t have your goals in writing, then do it. If you don’t know how to do it, read this summary I made for you.
Increased motivation
When you see progress towards your goals, you’ll be more motivated to keep going. This can help you to stay on track and achieve your goals, increasing your motivation.
Once you are more motivated, and you achieve more goals, you’ll have a greater sense of peace of mind. This can help you to enjoy life more and worry less.
More time for the things you love
When you prioritize your tasks, you’ll have more time for the things you love. This could be spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.
Imagine how it will feel to have all the time you want to do the things you love.
A more fulfilling life
What’s better than a more fulfilling life?
When you’re able to achieve your goals, you have increased motivation, more time for the things you love, and you will have a more fulfilling life.
You’ll be happier and more satisfied. This is the ultimate benefit of prioritization.
Are you already prioritizing?
Love you, Dad.