Ditch.  Delegate. Do.  The golden rule of the 3 D’s makes it easier to get the really important things done and spend less time on the ‘urgent but not important’ category.

Here’s how to apply it:

1. Evaluate everything that demands your attention – never simply do something because it seems it needs to be done.
2. Ask yourself: “Does this activity take me closer to my goal?“  If it doesn’t, ditch it.
3. If it passes that test, then ask  yourself: “Can anyone else in this business take care of this matter with less impact on their productivity?”  If the answer is ‘yest’ then delegate it.  If the answer is ‘no’ then
4. Ask yourself: “Does this have to be done now or can I schedule it for a better time freeing myself to take care of more important things now?“  If the answer is ‘yes’ then schedule it for a more appropriate time.  If the answer is ‘no’ then do it now.

This simple process will help you more easily prioritize your time and be more productive during your working hours.  It’s simple, it’s effective and it’s eye-opening when you realize just how much of your day is taken up with activities that really do not move you forward – they just keep you busy.